Onkaparinga Heights (formerly Hackham)

The land located generally between Cottage Lane and Hepenstal Road comprising some 50 hectares was rezoned in 2015 to the Residential Zone to allow for land division and housing.

Infrastructure Contribution Agreements were entered into with landowners to fund local road upgrades.

In this northern section, the majority of land has already been developed for housing.  

206.1 hectares of land located on Main South Road (between Hepenstal Road and Piggott Range Road) Onkaparinga Heights was rezoned in 2023 by the Department for Housing and Urban Development.

The land was rezoned to the Master Planned Neighbourhood Zone to enable a diverse range and choice of primarily low-to-medium density housing as part of an expanding community at Onkaparinga Heights and to be supported by a wide range of complementary services, facilities and open space, and coordinated provision of infrastructure.

A new concept plan was introduced to assist in addressing infrastructure requirements. 

In approving the rezoning, the Minister for Planning required landowners to enter into Deeds to manage, fund and deliver upgrades to traffic, water, wastewater and stormwater over fragmented land.

Further information on the Hackham Code Amendment can be viewed here.

Approximately two-thirds of the land is in private multiple ownership.

The balance of the land, some 67 hectares, is owned by Renewal SA (state government) who are seeking a development partner to deliver 1,000 dwellings – further information on Renewal SA proposal can be view via the following link Onkaparinga Heights. 

The former abattoir site on the southern side of Piggott Range Road in Old Noarlunga remains as Employment Zone land.

Land along and between Patapinda Road and Church Hill Road, Old Noarlunga remains as Rural Neighbourhood Zone. 

Council has responsibility for maintaining and upgrading existing local roads under our control. The state government is responsible for arterial roads such as Main South Road. In a development site where new roads are needed, they are the responsibility of the developer to build to council’s specifications.

During the rezoning, we identified a number of the existing local roads would need to be upgraded in some form, ranging from new kerbing and footpaths to full reconstruction. The timing of the road upgrades is dependent on when development occurs to ensure infrastructure services are laid underground before the roads are constructed / upgraded.

When considering road upgrades and road layout, we need to look at where people need to go and how they can safely get there. This may change the nature and function of an existing road, and we realise this may have some impact on current residents.

We can assure you all council-controlled roads, new and upgraded are constructed to meet Australian Standards for vehicle and pedestrian safety.

Further updates will be provided to residents prior works commencing.

All land divisions are required to manage and control the stormwater from their site before it enters council’s drainage system. After a development site stormwater system is built, it is then usually given to council for the longterm management and maintenance.

There are different ways to manage stormwater. Generally, the most common method is to direct rainfalls to a detention basin or storage tank, then slowly release the captured water. A basin can also be used to clean stormwater before release.

At Hackham, there are several ‘catchment areas’, with each requiring a basin to capture water. These basins are shown on the concept plan.

A land division of more than 20 allotments requires the developer to provide 12.5% of their land for public open space. Where open space is located and how it is used is guided by council’s Open Space Strategic Plan. The concept plan shows this.

We work with developers to ensure our position on open space is considered. A developer however is only required to provide the space. Planning legislation does not require a developer to landscape or provide a playground for the future residents.

We have received a number of applications for housing since the land was rezoned. The area along Hepenstal Road has now been developed. Several other developments have started or are under council consideration.

All housing is required to be consistent with the Planning and Design Code and meet the Building Code of Australia. We understand that most houses are owner-occupier however this is not a matter for council’s consideration.

As development happens, there will be a need to upgrade the quality of roads, open water and sewer, SA Power Network electricity, NBN Co network).

We are encouraging sustainable and climate-resilient developments outcomes that offer a diverse range of innovative, affordable, energy-efficient homes that consider the environment while supporting a positive lifestyle. 

More information on sustainable housing can be viewed via the following links

YourHome - Australia's guide to environmentally sustainable homes

Homes for Tomorrow 

The land is adjacent to the Onkaparinga National Park with walking trails, wildlife and protected native landscapes, council has prepared the Onkaparinga Heights development: a guide to enhancing biodiversity to assist future development with species selection strategies that support water-sensitive urban design, enhance biodiversity and ensure alignment with local environmental priorities.

Download and read the Onkaparinga Heights development: A guide to enhancing biodiversity here(PDF, 2MB)