Who we are

We are a non-government, non-profit organisation dedicated to driving sustainable economic growth and community development across one of South Australia’s most vibrant regions. We collaborate with local, state, and federal governments, businesses, industries, and communities to create local opportunities and enhance the liveability of our area.

Regional context

Our region, which spans the peri-urban areas of Barossa, Gawler, Light, and Adelaide Plains (BGLAP), has been identified by the Federal and South Australian Governments as a key high-growth area, offering tremendous opportunities for business owners, investors, and new residents.

Major industries in our region include agribusiness (wine, food, and broader agriculture), tourism, advanced manufacturing and infrastructure development, as well as the care economy (aged care workforce) and regional education and training opportunities and initiatives.

As of 2025, RDA BGLAP represents more than $4 billion in Gross Regional Product to South Australia (SA) and more than 6,200 regional businesses across the Barossa, Gawler, Light and Adelaide Plains areas.

Our focus

Our key focus is to build on our Regional Strategic Priorities and Regional Operational Priorities as identified in our current Strategic Plan.

Ultimately, our focus and resources seek to ensure that planned housing and population growth is sustainable, that planning, developments and land use is balanced, and that infrastructure (civic, social, digital) meets current demand and can grow with future need, thereby supporting our region’s businesses and community to optimise with and from local development and investment opportunities for current and future generations in our peri-urban region.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

1. Housing

  • Housing supply meets current and future regional demand and is fit for purpose (affordability, diversity / greater housing choice, sustainability, accessibility and neighbourhood character).

2. Workforce, Skills & Education

  • Regional workforce capacity and capability supports economic growth and key labour market performance measures are improved.

3. Sustainability

  • Regional environmental, social and economic strength and resilience.

4. Infrastructure & Land Use Planning

  • Infrastructure and land use planning supports regional sustainability, productivity, and growth.

5. Investment Attraction & Business Growth

  • Regional investment pipeline projects delivered, and retention and sustainable growth of regional businesses (new and existing).

OPERATIONAL PRIORITIES

1. Business Development and Growth

Retention and growth of businesses:

  • Support existing businesses with sustainability and growth (jobs, output, profitability).
  • Support new business start-ups (planning, and establishment, and training).
  • Increase business capacity and capability.

2. Investment Attraction and Growth

  • Support the delivery of projects identified in the pipeline of economic and infrastructure investment projects.
  • Influence increased regional economic diversity.

3. Communications

  • Create communications that support RDABGLAP’s strategic goals.
  • Improve access to regional information and resources for all stakeholders.
  • Increase the level of regional community engagement and feedback.
  • Promote RDABGLAP’s programs, events, and successes to build awareness and program participation.
  • Raise awareness of the region and the opportunities available.
  • To be inclusive, ensuring that everyone feels valued and respected in our business interactions.

4. Corporate Governance and Organisational Development

  • Regulatory and funding compliance; and sound prudential management.
  • Continuous improvement of our teams’ skills and processes.
  • Improved team and board member satisfaction.
  • Comprehensive regional and organisation information.

5. Program Delivery – Barossa Regional University Campus (BRUC)

  • Sustain and incrementally increase student registrations and student engagement.
  • Support students to achieve course graduation.
  • Maintain and strengthen partnerships with local industry, community, councils, and government.

6. Program Delivery – Regional Leadership Development

  • Support and advocate for regional community and business leadership priorities.

7. Collaboration and Advocacy

  • Facilitate regional collaboration and joint advocacy aligned to key regional priorities.
  • Contribute to Australian and SA Government regional policy making by providing intelligence and evidence-based advice on regional development issues.
Strategic Plan summary 2023-2025

Our Purpose, Vision and Mission:

Purpose:

To actively grow our regional economy to create liveable communities.

Vision:

To create a regional economy that is built on our strengths, is sustainable, and supports the changing needs of our communities.

Mission:

We use our strengths through collaboration and connection, to unlock opportunities, foster a supportive environment, and facilitate growth for businesses in our region.

Values:

  • Teamwork: we work openly, honestly and support each other.
  • Impact: we are lean and focused on priorities that make a difference.
  • Creativity: we think outside the box and foster a culture of sharing ideas.

Our funding

RDA BGLAP operates through a partnership between the Australian Government, the South Australian Government, and local governments, including the Town of Gawler, Adelaide Plains Council, The Barossa Council, and Light Regional Council. This collaborative funding model ensures we can effectively deliver economic development services within our specific region.

Our commitment

We are committed to building a strong, connected Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains region that:

  • shapes economic growth and well-being;
  • is resilient and responsive to economic changes;
  • is inclusive, vibrant, and diverse, and
  • provides opportunities for all community members to engage and thrive.

Connect with us

If you’re interested in learning more about our initiatives or exploring partnership opportunities within the Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains region, please contact us at: