Frequently Asked Questions

The South Coast Future Ready Strategy is a long‑term action plan being developed by the City of Victor Harbor to help our region manage significant growth and change. It will set out practical steps to ensure the South Coast - from Victor Harbor to Goolwa - remains a great place to live, work, study and visit now and into the future.

The Strategy is a response to clear demographic, economic and housing pressures that are already shaping the region:

• The South Coast has one of the oldest populations in Australia, with a median age of 62 and 43% of residents aged 65+.
• Only 21% of local residents are aged 15–44, leading to workforce shortages and pressure on essential services.
• Housing prices have almost doubled since 2020, and 46% of renters experience housing stress.
• The broader region is projected to exceed 50,000 residents by 2050, with Victor Harbor alone potentially reaching 25,000–36,000 residents.
• Without intervention, services, housing affordability, local jobs and the region’s long‑term sustainability will continue to be strained.

Council is acting now to help ensure population balance, economic resilience and strong liveability into the future.

Key issues identified in the Discussion Paper include:

• Increasing housing costs and limited housing diversity
• A shrinking share of working‑age residents
• Difficulty attracting and retaining workers
• Gaps in essential services such as health, childcare and youth recreation
• Limited evening economy and entertainment options
• Limited local study pathways and career progression opportunities.

The Strategy will strive to:

• Strengthen the region’s population balance
• Support access to a diverse local workforce
• Improve long‑term housing options
• Protect lifestyle, environment and community identity
• Enhance liveability, services, learning opportunities and cultural vibrancy
• Foster a welcoming, connected and inclusive community.

The South Coast Future Ready Strategy is an action from the Victor Harbor Urban Growth Management Strategy (UGMS). The UGMS has planned where the community will grow in the future, the Future Ready Strategy is about actions that will assist our community to thrive by creating an environment that allows for:

• More affordable and diverse housing
• Improved local job opportunities
• Better study pathways and career options
• More activities, services and transport choices
• A vibrant, connected and inclusive community.

The work also aligns with the strategic directions of the City of Victor Harbor's Community Plan 2030, Economic Development Strategy and Investment Attraction Strategy. It also responds to the SA Government's Greater Adelaide Regional Plan.

Council is committed to co‑designing this Strategy with the community. You can participate by:

• Completing the online survey at yoursay.victor.sa.gov.au/future-ready
• Speaking to the project team at community pop‑up events in January and February (see Key Dates above)

Whether you are a young person, family, retiree, business owner or new resident, your insights will directly shape the Strategy's priorities and actions.