Regional Blueprint 2026 highlights our region’s $6 billion investment pipeline
Regional Development South Australia (RDSA) has released its Regional Blueprint 2026, bringing together the latest investment data, economic insights and priorities from across regional South Australia. Built on local knowledge from the Regional Development Australia network, it explores the opportunities ahead and what is needed to support their delivery.
For Barossa, Gawler, Light and Adelaide Plains, this year’s Blueprint highlights an investment pipeline of $6 billion, up 38% in a year, alongside a 4.4% increase in jobs. These results reflect our region’s growing contribution to the state’s economy and reinforce the importance of planning for the infrastructure, housing and workforce needed to support continued growth.
A statewide picture of opportunity
Our region’s results form part of a broader increase in potential investment across regional South Australia. The 2026 Blueprint tracks more than $115 billion across over 1,100 public and private projects, an increase of 18% compared with last year.
Private investment accounts for $100 billion across more than 700 projects, with a further $15 billion in public investment across more than 400 projects. Electricity, gas, water and waste services represent close to 60% of the total pipeline, underscoring the scale of opportunity in energy and essential infrastructure.
The pipeline captures projects under active contemplation, funding consideration or construction, with commencement within the next five years. While it is not a measure of committed funding, it provides valuable insight into where investment could occur and the support required to help projects progress.
Turning regional insight into informed planning
Understanding this potential is an important part of preparing for growth. Investment in water supply and utilities, access to housing and the availability of skilled workers all influence whether projects can move forward and deliver lasting benefits for local communities.
By drawing on the RDA network’s relationships with businesses, government and communities, the Blueprint helps connect investment opportunities with these wider planning needs. For RDA Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains, it strengthens the evidence we use to advocate for local priorities and work with partners to address barriers to development.
That work matters well beyond individual projects. Regional South Australia is home to more than 569,000 people, over 48,000 businesses and almost 229,000 jobs, accounting for 30% of the state’s businesses and 24% of its employment. Supporting investment across our regions is central to the state’s future prosperity, particularly as businesses and communities navigate drought, changing markets and other ongoing pressures.
The Regional Blueprint 2026 includes profiles, investment data and priorities for each RDA region, providing a shared reference point for government, industry and communities planning for the future.