Media Release: Regional Blueprint 2026 Released: Yorke and Mid North aim to build on prosperity

Regional Development South Australia (RDSA) is excited to release the Regional Blueprint 2026, which includes profiles, investment data and priorities for each RDA region.

The Blueprint tracks investment intentions in the public and private sectors, capturing projects under active contemplation, funding consideration, and/or construction for commencement in the next five years.

The 2026 Blueprint includes more than 1,100 public and private projects, highlighting more than $115 billion in regional investment, up 18 per cent from $98 billion in 2025. Private investment accounts for $100 billion across more than 700 projects, with public investment making up the remaining $15 billion across more than 400 projects.

Energy and water infrastructure is leading the way, with electricity, gas, water and waste services projects accounting for $69 billion, close to 60 per cent of the total. The Far North’s pipeline rose 21 per cent to $51 billion, driven by mining investment, while Murraylands and Riverland grew 79 per cent to $19 billion, and Barossa, Gawler, Light and Adelaide Plains rose 38 per cent to $6 billion.

For RDA Yorke and Mid North, the region offers an abundance of potential, from primary production and related value adding manufacturing through to more recent growth in energy and tourism. The regional priorities include water and wastewater, economic complexity and diversification, housing, improvements to health, aged acre and childcare and improvements to workforce and skills.

RDSA Executive Chair Hon. Rob Kerin AO said the evidence gathered by RDAs supports the economic business case for investment in enabling infrastructure.

“The 2026 Regional Blueprint comes at an important moment for regional South Australia—a time of momentum, complexity and shared responsibility. When our regions thrive, our entire economy benefits,” Mr Kerin said.

The Hon. Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, welcomed the Blueprint as an important and evidence-based contribution to understanding the regions.

“With a regional investment pipeline of $115 billion, our regions continue to attract strong industry and investor confidence, even in the face of ongoing challenges such as drought, biosecurity threats and geopolitical and market disruptions,” Minister Scriven said.

RDSA will keep working in partnership with all three levels of government, industry and communities to unlock the full potential of regional South Australia.

A copy of the Regional Blueprint 2026 can be found at https://www.regionaldevelopmentsa.com.au/resources.