Jane Eliza is a long-term, master planned, riverfront development on the banks of the River Murray in Renmark, South Australia’s iconic houseboat capital. Building on Renmark’s legacy of innovation and growth, the project is designed to strengthen and expand the region’s thriving houseboat industry, create jobs and employment opportunities and help meet the state's housing demand.
As the largest mixed-use development in the Riverland, the Jane Eliza extension will deliver around 800 new homes, a significantly expanded marina with high-quality mooring facilities, and a dedicated marine industry precinct. It also opens new opportunities for tourism and hospitality, all underpinned by Renmark’s unique river lifestyle and passionate community.
Renmark Paringa Council is partnering to develop Jane Eliza as part of its long-term plan to support growth, improve liveability, and strengthen the local economy. The project plays a key role in shaping the future of the region.
Key reasons for the development include:
- Addressing housing supply shortages
Jane Eliza makes up 45% of the land available for new homes in the Council area, helping meet current and future demand. - Supporting population and economic growth
The development provides space and infrastructure to attract new residents, support businesses, and grow the local workforce. - Creating a nationally significant tourism marina
A new marina precinct will boost tourism, attract visitors, and position Renmark as a major destination on the River Murray. - Delivering high-quality community design and amenity
Jane Eliza will be a master-planned estate with improved infrastructure, green spaces, and public areas for all to enjoy. - Building local pride and liveability
The project enhances what makes Renmark special, making it a place locals are proud of and visitors want to experience.
The original Jane Eliza River Estate waterway and residential area was conceived by father and son developers Ian and Hauge Showell in 1986. Today the Estate is a well-established, high quality development that has been a significant attribute to the residential and economic success of Renmark. The story of the Jane Eliza River Estate can be found here.
Hydrology
Tonkin was engaged by Renmark Paringa Council to investigate the potential impacts of the proposed Jane Eliza Expansion development on riverine flood risks in Renmark, Paringa, and surrounding areas, particularly in response to the significant flooding events of 2022/2023.
Neilly Group prepared floodplain modelling as part of the investigations into the impacts of future flooding events.
The key findings of the report are:
- The hydrology modelling confirms that the Jane Eliza expansion will not create significant, adverse impacts on floodplain behaviour or unacceptable increases in flood risk to the wider Renmark community.
- The highest impact in a 341GL/day (1956 flood) event is a maximum of 5.8cm.
- The minor impact is due to the Jane Eliza extension taking up such a small area (2.5 per cent of the surrounding floodplain area).
The purpose of this report was to assess these potential impacts as part of the broader process of evaluating the overall viability of the project. It addresses community concerns by examining how the development may affect local flood behaviour, through detailed modelling of pre- and post-development flood levels across a range of river flow scenarios.
The modelling indicates that for flow rates of 186 GL/day, 250 GL/day, and 341 GL/day, the development is not expected to impact properties within the Council-maintained levees around the town. Areas outside the levees show minimal changes, with only slight increases in flood extents upstream near Calperum Station and no observable differences downstream, including areas to the south and southeast of Kulnine Street.
The hydrology report will now become one of the technical documents as part of the Code Amendment process, which is subject to a community engagement charter.
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Read the full report here.
The extension of Jane Eliza will be protected from flooding.
Under the SA Planning and Design Code the development area is zoned for residential development with a requirement of a minimum finished floor level of 20.4 Australian Height Datum (AHD). This is the same standard as the existing Jane Eliza estate. Any change to this will require a Code Amendment and public engagement.
The Developer (Wel.Co) will determine how they will achieve flood level immunity that satisfies both the State Planning Commission and potential purchasers of land.
Renmark Paringa Council has commissioned hydrology modelling which shows developing the Jane Eliza extension results in increased flood heights of up to 5cm in the equivalent of a 1956 flood event and less for smaller flood events.
Insurance for homes in Renmark is readily available. The Insurance Council of Australia will be consulted through the Code Amendment process.
186 GL/day (2022/23 flood level)
Maximum afflux: 3.5 cm across the Jane Eliza floodplain.
Elsewhere: Increases generally ranged between 0.5–2.5 cm at local bridges (Nelwart St, Sturt Hwy, Twentyfirst St, Ral Ral Ave).
East of development: Water levels decreased by 0.5–1 cm.
250 GL/day flood scenario
The pattern is similar to the 186 GL/day event, but with slightly higher water levels.
Increases: ~4 cm across the Jane Eliza floodplain, up to 5 cm near the western edge.
Downstream: Little or no noticeable change.
Town waterfront: Some areas showed water level reductions.
341 GL/day (1956 flood level)
Maximum afflux values reached up to 6 cm near the development.
At David Street, the maximum increase observed in modelled areas was 4.4 cm.
Water levels remained largely unchanged downstream of Ral Ral Ave and reduced towards Paringa Bridge.
(Afflux means a change in water level caused by the development — typically a small increase. It's used to assess how much (if at all) floodwaters might rise in different areas as a result of the Jane Eliza Expansion.)
Flood modeling is being used to compare pre-development and post-development flood conditions. This involves:
- Using LiDAR and digital elevation data,
- Running different flood scenarios,
- Simulating how water would flow across the land.
Minor decreases in flood height at the RIT pump station and Renmark Visitor Information Centre are possibly due to a higher volume of water being diverted though Bookmark Creek due to the protrusion into the river formed by the development footprint, and the possible creation of new flood storage areas accessed from raising water levels.
No significant impacts were found outside the Council-maintained levees. The modelling confirms that the Jane Eliza Expansion has negligible impact on properties beyond the current formed levee system for all flood scenarios studied.
Yes. Council-managed levees were rebuilt for the 2022/23 flood and include a 60 cm freeboard (safety buffer) and were designed to be raised as required. Future flood events larger than 2022/23 will require additional works to the levee network regardless of if Jane Eliza is developed or not.
Council is currently working with the SA Government investigating options for ongoing funding support for management of the levee system.
Council intends to respond to larger flood events in the same way it did in 2022/23, supported by Federal and State disaster recovery programs (DRFA and LGDRAA). This includes access to resources and emergency works.
Council’s response in 2022 showcased its ability to respond to a high river in an efficient matter to ensure the safety of the township.
Council is confident that it will be far more prepared for future flooding given the knowledge, capabilities, strategies and key relationships that were formed during that period.
Community information
The Jane Eliza Development is set to bring new housing, create jobs and employment opportunities, open space, and an expanded marina to Renmark Paringa — supporting tourism, the houseboat industry, and a more diverse local economy.
The project is expected to inject $415 million into the regional economy during construction and generate an estimated $107 million annually once complete.
It’s a key part of Council’s plan to support sustainable growth and enhance liveability for current and future generations.
Find answers to common questions below.
The Jane Eliza extension has featured in council’s key strategic documents for the past 10 years including annual business plans, community plans and the 2025 growth strategy.
Council actively promotes and encourages community feedback on these Strategic Documents in accordance with our obligations in the Local Government Act.
| Engagement Method | ||
| Stakeholder workshops and early investigation process – Masterplan | Industry and Community members | Dec 2016 |
| Person to person meetings | Commercial Houseboat owners | April 2017 |
| Person to person meetings | Commercial Houseboat owners | May 2017 |
| Roundtable discussion | Commercial Houseboat owners | September 2017 |
| Person to person x 3 sessions | Commercial Houseboat owners | April 2018 |
| Roundtable discussion | Commercial Houseboat owners | May 2018 |
| Annual Business Plan | 2019/2020, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023, 2023/2024, 2024/2025 | Various dates |
| Annual Report | 2019/2020, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023, 2023/2024, 2024/2025 | Various dates |
| Media Release | Council seeking Development Partner | September 2021 |
| Community Advisory Board | Seek community views | September 2021 |
| Person to Person briefings | Boating Industry Association, DPTI Marine Services, Department for Environment Services, State Planning Commission, Member for Chaffey Tim Whetstone (multi times) Member Legislative Council Nicola Centofanti (multi times) Member for Barker Tony Pasin (multi times) RDAMR CEO, Destination Riverland General Manager, Attorney General Vicki Chapman, Premier of South Australia Stephen Marshall, Renewal SA, Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison, Federal Member for Tourism Don Farrell, | Various dates |
| Business Breakfast | Business Stakeholders (approx. 20 people) | July 2022 |
| Riverfront Markets | Whole Community | July 2022 |
| Community Advisory Board | Seek community views | July 2022 |
| Dedicated online project page | Whole community | 2022-current |
| Renmark Paringa Growth Strategy | Whole Community, public exhibition period, in person sessions with industry | 2025 |
*Council's prudential report pursuant to section 48 Local Government Act 1999
From July 2022 to March 2025 Council was in commercial negotiations with Council’s development partner Wel.Co. Given the confidential nature of the negotiations and the delays due to the 2022/2023 Murray River floods it has been difficult to provide updates to the community on the project.
Wel.Co has acknowledged that developments of this scale raise important questions for the community and has committed to an open and transparent consultation process where local residents and stakeholders can voice their concerns and receive accurate information.
Updates on public consultation opportunities will be shared via Council’s website and communication channels, PlanSA, and local media channels.
Jane Eliza will deliver new housing, community open space and an expanded high amenity marina and marine service infrastructure to enable the growth of tourism and the houseboat industry.
The development will be supported by infrastructure upgrades to ensure it integrates smoothly with the existing community. As part of the planning process, assessments are conducted on transport, utilities, and essential services to ensure they can accommodate future residents.
A growing population will require more key service workers including medical and allied health professionals, teachers and child care workers. The increase in housing supply and a strong local economy aims to attract key workers to improve local services.
To ensure continued growth in Renmark Paringa is successfully managed Council has developed a Growth Strategy identifying current infrastructure and services and what is required to accommodate growth.
Jane Eliza is a long term strategic project with the potential to create $415 million in Gross Regional Product through the construction phase and $107 million annually once fully constructed based on modelling by Lucid Economics (2021).
This increase in economic activity will flow through the regional economy in the form of direct employment and increased commercial opportunities.
The increase in building and construction activity will create opportunities for direct employment and stimulate economic activity across the region.
With the provision of high standard marine infrastructure, the development aims to grow tourism, the houseboat industry and establish a marine service industry in Renmark. This will diversify our local economy and reduce the regions dependence on irrigated horticulture and help to create a more resilient local economy with enhanced career opportunities for current and future generations.
The Riverland has a strong, established building and construction sector including several Renmark based businesses.
The project is expected to generate employment opportunities over a period of 15+ years, providing long-term viability for local businesses and career pathways for young people entering the workforce. The scale and duration of the development will create a full lifecycle of opportunities—from apprenticeships and trade certifications to skilled roles in construction, retail, hospitality, and long-term community services.
The existing Jane Eliza development inclusive of Picaninny Creek is not within the
development area governed by the Land Facilitation Agreement and Council has no current plans to change access arrangements.
Regardless of the Jane Eliza Development going ahead, Renmark Paringa Council is investigating ways in which to ensure its preparedness for future floods.
This includes seeking funding to develop emergency response strategies and advocate for ongoing maintenance to the existing levy network.
In 2022 council’s response showcased its ability to respond to a high river in an efficient matter to ensure the safety of the township.
Preparedness is far more advanced than it was prior to the 2022 event which, built knowledge, capabilities, methods, and relationships with key earthmovers and contractors.
Partnership with Wel.Co
Wel.Co is a nationally recognised and proven developer that has invested in dozens of areas in need of increased housing opportunities. Wel.Co particularly prides itself on its regional projects, citing the opportunity to work with passionate and active communities.
A number of their recently completed and active project can be found here:
On 7 December 2021, Council launched a National Expression of Interest campaign.
Wel.Co submitted an expression of interest and demonstrated the capabilities, experience and vision for the site that Renmark Paringa Council was looking for.
Wel.Co became Council’s preferred development partner in July 2022.
Council and Wel.Co entered into a Land Facilitation Agreement in March 2025.
A Land Facilitation Agreement (LFA) is a legal document outlining the key commercial terms of the relationship between Council and Wel.Co.
The signing of the Land Facilitation Agreement (LFA) is another step in the process towards the development of Jane Eliza.
Under the LFA the developer is responsible for all development costs.
By maintaining and active interest in the project Council can ensure the project results in the best possible outcome for the community.
Council commenced investigating the extension of the current Jane Eliza in 2015 and over the last 10 years has invested $962,940 in specialist investigations, advice and due diligence to facilitate the project. A full list of the outputs produced from this investment can be found here (insert link).
| Project | Gross Regional Product | Design/ Due Diligence cost | % of Total cost |
| Jane Eliza Development | $415m | $0.963m | 0.23% |
| Project | Total Cost | Design/ Due Diligence cost | % of Total cost |
| 21st Bridge | $6.56m | $0.469m | 7.15% |
| Renmark Wharf | $10.28m | $0.269m | 2.62% |
Development Process
The Jane Eliza Development is a long-term, master planned project that will evolve over many years — and like all major developments, it must follow a thorough planning and approvals process.
One of the first key steps is a Code Amendment, which ensures land use policies and zoning align with the future vision for the site. This stage also includes community and stakeholder engagement, concept planning, and a range of assessments before any construction can begin.
Here are some common questions about the Code Amendment process and what it means for the Jane Eliza Development.
A Code Amendment is a proposal to change the policies, rules, or mapping within the South Australian Planning and Design Code.
The development area is currently zoned for Residential and Marine Infrastructure. The initiated Code Amendment seeks to realign these land use areas and investigate the suitability of the requirements over the site.
In initiating the Code Amendment the SA Planning Commission has requested Concept Plans identifying critical access routes, walking and cycling routes and identification of buffer zones between employment and residential/tourist areas.
These concept plans will continue to evolve as planning and investigations continue.
More detailed plans will be developed for Land Division Consent.
Yes, a Code Amendment requires engagement to be undertaken in accordance with the Community Engagement Charter.
In initiating the Code Amendment the SA Planning Commission identified the following key stakeholders for consultation:
- Department for Infrastructure and Transport.
- South Australian Country Fire Service.
- Department for Environment and Water
- Department for Education.
- Affordable Housing Unit of the SA Housing Authority.
- Environment Protection Authority.
- Insurance Council of Australia
- Utility providers including SA Power Networks, ElectraNet, APA Group, SA Water, Epic Energy, NBN, and other telecommunications providers.
- State Members of Parliament for the electorates in which the proposed Code Amendment applies.
The South Australian Planning and Design Code requires a number of approvals before construction can occur. This includes Planning Consent, Land Division Consent and Development Approval.
The approvals process for a large master planned development such as this typically takes upwards of 2 years.
To understand the Code Amendment process in more detail visit here.
To read the approval to initiate the Code Amendment visit here
