Overview of the northern parklands project
A sweeping new vision for Adelaide’s northern suburbs has become reality this week, with Parliament passing the Northern Parklands Bill 2025, paving the way for one of South Australia’s most ambitious green space projects in decades.
- Stage 1 (2025–2030): Acquire ~400 ha, establish the Village Green and key access links.
- Stage 2 (2030–2040): Expand along the Gawler and South Para Rivers and connect to emerging neighbourhoods.
The $53 million initiative — described as “a park the size of 31 Adelaide Ovals” — will create a ~1,000-hectare green corridor stretching from the Hills Face Zone to the Gawler River. Anchored within the Kudla Growth Area, the Northern Parklands will deliver both recreation and rejuvenation to one of the fastest-growing regions in Greater Adelaide.
“Northern suburbs communities will finally have a place to walk, ride, play and celebrate their environment — a space as iconic to the north as the Adelaide Park Lands are to the city.”
— Minister for Housing & Urban Development
At its heart will be a Village Green — a central hub for community and sport — surrounded by more than 40 kilometres of walking and cycling trails, wetlands, native vegetation and biodiversity zones. The corridor will link local reserves such as Karbeethan Reserve and the Gawler River, providing a continuous green spine from Gawler through Kudla to Playford.
Early plans include planting 13,500 trees within the first four years to improve shade, habitat and urban cooling across the north.
A New Statutory Trust
The Act establishes a Northern Parklands Trust to manage design, development and long-term care. The seven-member board will include representatives from the City of Playford, the Town of Gawler, a First Nations member and experts in ecology, tourism and cultural heritage. The Trust can manage facilities and amenities, with larger or longer-term leases subject to approvals.
Fast Facts
- Location: Kudla–Gawler–Playford corridor
- Scale: ~1,000 hectares total
- Investment: $53m Stage 1
- Land: ~400 ha acquired by 2030 (Stage 1)
- Greening: 13,500 trees in first 4 years
- Trails: 40+ km shared paths
- Governance: 7-member Statutory Trust