Regional SA's $115 billion pipeline hinges on water, RDSA says

Water sits first on RDSA’s list, ahead of infrastructure, business capacity and economic diversification. For builders and developers in the regions, the body is warning that supply limits could stall projects and housing.

Executive Chair Rob Kerin says the pipeline’s promise rests on essential infrastructure, above all reliable water. “Without water, regional South Australia cannot deliver the housing, industry growth and jobs it needs,” he says.

He names agriculture, food and wine, manufacturing, mining and clean energy as water-dependent, along with housing for new residents and workers, according to the report.

The numbers

InDaily reports energy and water infrastructure make up about $69 billion, or roughly 60 per cent of the pipeline. The remainder breaks down as:

• Construction: $14.6 billion
• Manufacturing: $11.3 billion
• Mining: $5.6 billion

Kerin points to renewable energy, critical minerals and value-adding in primary industries, such as premium food, drinks and fibre, as the strongest growth openings.

The report says water problems differ by region. They include poor drinking water quality, remote towns on carted supplies, falling groundwater and thin network capacity for big industrial users.

What’s next

InDaily outlines pressure points region by region.

• Far North: Quorn, Melrose and Wilmington have drinking water quality issues affecting services, health included. Andamooka, Yunta and parts of the APY Lands still depend on carted water.
• Limestone Coast: the area supplies about a third of the state’s agricultural exports, and aquifers in some places are falling overall.
• Riverland: wine grape growers face financial strain as water allocations are projected to fall.

RDSA wants water planning and infrastructure spending coordinated, warning that shortfalls could put thousands of jobs, housing and major projects at risk. Kerin says dependable water is needed to protect existing industries and to let them grow.

For a regional SA water project, see our report on the Whyalla desalination environmental impact statement and the Adelaide market page.

Source: InDaily, 12 November 2026.