The release of land for housing, infrastructure development and environmental concerns including the impact of climate change are key issues up for debate in a discussion paper on the future of the greater Adelaide region.
The paper looks at growth across the 11,000 square kilometres stretching from Cape Jervis, south of the city, to Port Wakefield in the lower north, including the Barossa Valley and Murray Bridge - an area currently home to 85 per cent of the South Australian population.
It takes into account the expected needs across the next 30 years to maintain sustainable growth amid forecasts about 300,000 more homes will be required.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Nick Champion said while the government was already seeking to tackle the immediate challenges of the housing crisis, longer-term strategic planning was needed.
"The paper is designed to allow the community to have a thoughtful discussion and mature conversation about how South Australia should continue to grow and develop," he said.
"The work undertaken and feedback provided will truly shape our state for the next generations."
A key issue for future planning will be the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which has changed how people work and live with its associated impacts on the future of the Adelaide CBD and public transport.
The continued growth of single-person households will be a factor while the government has also dumped urban infill targets, giving more freedom for people to choose where they want to live.
State Planning Commission chair Craig Holden said feedback would help with the development of a vision of greater Adelaide into the 2050s.
"Future generations are relying on us to make responsible, equitable and economically sound planning decisions while also addressing the many challenges we face," he said.
"This is about future-proofing our planning system and its ability to adapt to change."
The discussion paper will be subject to a 12-week consultation period, with the government hoping to settle on a development plan in the fourth quarter of next year.
