Urban Growth Management Strategy

Shaping a sustainable and vibrant future for our community

Managing Urban Growth in Victor Harbor

The population of Victor Harbor and its surrounding suburbs is expected to continue growing steadily over the next 25 years. Effectively managing this growth is essential to ensuring that Victor Harbor remains a thriving community with a strong economy, while also preserving the unique character that defines the area and is highly valued by residents and visitors alike.

The Urban Growth Management Strategy 2050 (UGMS)

The Urban Growth Management Strategy 2050 (UGMS) serves as the City of Victor Harbor’s comprehensive plan for guiding urban development through to the year 2050. This strategic document is designed to uphold Victor Harbor’s status as a desirable place to live, work, invest, and visit. By setting out a clear vision for responsible and sustainable urban expansion, the UGMS demonstrates a strong commitment to several key priorities:

  • Creating liveable and connected neighbourhoods
  • Enhancing transport networks and accessibility
  • Protecting valuable green spaces
  • Supporting ongoing economic prosperity

Through proactive planning, the strategy aims to safeguard the distinctive character of the community, support local employment opportunities, and improve the overall quality of life for all residents.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement

The development of the UGMS was informed by extensive engagement with both the community and key stakeholders. Over three formal phases of consultation, conducted from February 2024 to July 2025, valuable feedback was gathered and incorporated. This feedback played a direct role in shaping the final strategy, ensuring that it aligns with the aspirations and priorities of those who live in Victor Harbor.

An engagement summary was prepared following each phase of consultation to clearly document what we heard from our community and key stakeholders. These engagement summaries are available in the Background Reports section of this webpage.

Alignment with State Planning

The UGMS also aligns with the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan (GARP), which outlines the South Australian Government’s long-term vision for Greater Adelaide, including the Fleurieu Peninsula. The strategy identifies and addresses key focus areas from the GARP that are relevant to the Council’s objectives and priorities for the period leading up to 2050.

Adoption of the Strategy

The City of Victor Harbor formally adopted the Urban Growth Management Strategy at its Ordinary Council Meeting held on 22 September 2025.

View the Urban Growth Management Strategy 2025

City of Victor Harbor Community Plan 2030

Biodiversity and Natural Assets Management Plan 2023-2028

City of Victor Harbor Cemeteries Review 2023 - Part 1

City of Victor Harbor Cemeteries Review 2023 - Part 2

City of Victor Harbor Commercial and Employment Land Requirements 2023

City of Victor Harbor Residential Land Requirements 2023

City of Victor Harbor Council Area Profile 2023

City of Victor Harbor Culture Strategy - Arts and Heritage 2022-2027

City of Victor Harbor Economic Development Strategy 2020-2030

City of Victor Harbor Investment Attraction Strategy  2024-2027

Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2020-2024

Victor Harbor Environmental Management Plan 2019-2024

Victor Harbor Inter War Heritage Survey 2023

Recreation and Open Space Land Requirements Report 2024

Regional Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2022-2027

Resilient Hills and Coasts Climate Adaptation Plan 2016

Victor Harbor Social Infrastructure Assessment  2024

The Bluff Master Plan 2023

Primary Production Priority Areas (PPPA) Mapping Project  2011

Victor Harbor Bicycle Strategy 2016

Victor Harbor Coastal Adaptation Study and Strategy 2021

Victor Harbor Footpath and Pedestrian Strategy 2022

Victor Harbor Landscape Character and Visual Impact Assessment 2023

Victor Harbor Mainstreet Precinct Master Plan 2014

Victor Harbor Mountain Bike Strategy 2021

Victor Harbor Residential Capital Strategy Review 2016

Victor Harbor Sport, Recreation and Open Space Strategy 2023-2033

Victor Harbor Township Heritage Review 2021

Victor Harbor Town Centre Traffic Movement and Car Parking Strategy - Traffic Movement (Part A) 2017

Victor Harbor Town Centre Traffic Movement and Car Parking Strategy - Parking and Policy (Part B) 2017

Victor Harbor Tree Management Strategy 2019

Victor Harbor Watercourse and Floodplain Mapping Study 2019

With the UGMS now adopted, the Council will move forward with planning its implementation, with annual reports on progress to be published to keep the community and stakeholders informed.