South Australia has built its global reputation on the resources it produces, from the renowned vineyards in its valleys to the minerals found underground. It should bring to light that currently the state is focusing on its regions to drive future economic growth. Moreover, it should bring to light that this vision was a key topic at the 2025 Regional Development South Australia (RDSA) summit, where hundreds of leaders gathered in Adelaide. Furthermore, they explored how the state’s regional areas can shift from traditional roles to become significant sources of innovation and long-term economic growth.
Premier Peter Malinauskas emphasised the crucial role of regional industries in South Australia’s history during the summit. Premier Peter Malinauskas noted that the state heavily relies on its regional communities for economic support. The Premier pointed to renewable energy, critical minerals, agritech, and emerging sectors like space industries as key to regional growth. The RDSA’s new plan, the Strong Regions, Smart Growth strategy, outlines this shift. The strategy emphasises the creation of regions that are not only productive but also innovative, competitive, and resilient. The initiative promotes collaboration among various sectors and levels of government to support local businesses, build regional leadership, and change how people view these areas. The goal is to present regional towns as vibrant centres of opportunity instead of isolated locations.
**Unlocking Potential Through Strategic Change**
Alison Lloyd-Wright, the managing director of The Good Trouble Group, emphasised the need for a bold departure from traditional methods. Furthermore, she argued that sticking to old ways would only produce familiar outcomes. However, a willingness to try new approaches could unlock the full potential of the regions. Lloyd-Wright framed this shift as a chance for growth that would not only benefit regional areas but also the entire state. Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven supported this view, stating that while regions make up only 28.6% of the state’s population, they contribute about 38.2 billion to the economy and account for nearly half of South Australia’s international merchandise exports. Core industries like agriculture, viticulture, forestry, and horticulture remain essential to this economic success.
It should be highlighted that a key focus of the new strategy is developing leadership. Minister Scriven shared that by next year, around 600 community members would have participated in RDA leadership programmes at 42 sites. Moreover, this effort aims to strengthen local talent and foster initiatives led by communities. The regions also have a chance to utilise their natural and established resources. The global acclaim of Barossa Valley wine illustrates how local industries can thrive internationally, suggesting other opportunities exist in food, tourism, and agritourism. Tori Dixon-Whittle, CEO of Food SA, pointed out the chance for regional producers to enhance the state’s reputation by linking visitors with producers and offering premium food exports based on a distinct South Australian story. She noted that regions can deliver authenticity and sustainability in a world that increasingly values these qualities.
The global energy shift presents another important opportunity. Significant solar, wind, and hydrogen projects are transforming areas from Port Augusta to Whyalla. Sam Crafter, state lead of Whyalla Steelworks Industrial Transformation, discussed how critical minerals—like copper, rare earths, and magnetite—position South Australia as a key supplier for the global industries aiming to reduce carbon emissions. He specifically mentioned local capabilities to produce decarbonised iron products needed for the steel industry’s transition.
RDSA executive chair Rob Kerin stated that the summit was a crucial moment for placing regions at the forefront of state growth. He called for a bold, new approach to regional development, aiming to create a future that is larger and more ambitious for all South Australians. Kerin concluded by outlining a shared vision: regions that are not only productive but also competitive and prosperous, leading to greater economic diversity, innovation, and resilience for the whole state. He emphasised that realising this potential requires intentional action, strong collaboration, and a unified vision to make regional development a key opportunity for South Australia’s economic future.
