Why Choose SA?
Major projects totalling more than $70 billion in value are either in progress or proposed in South Australia.
The capital city, Adelaide, is consistently ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world and the most affordable capital city among the mainland Australian state capitals, as well as one of the world's best business destinations.
Adelaide is the equal 8th most liveable city in the world according to the Economist Intelligence Unit and offers the 30th highest quality of life according to Mercer.
According to both Mercer and the Economist Intelligence Unit, Adelaide has the lowest cost of living among the Australian state capital cities.
South Australia enjoys a Triple A credit rating awarded by international ratings agency Standard & Poor’s.
South Australia has an advanced manufacturing, technology and research base and is home to some of the world’s leading companies in the sectors of defence, food and wine, resources, information and communications technology, and automotive.
South Australia’s businesses are the most innovative in the nation, and they invest strongly in research and development.
And our quality of life is second-to-none. Independent surveys consistently rank Adelaide as one of the world’s most preferred cities in which to live.
Facts
• Adelaide: rated as one of the world’s best business destinations.
• Adelaide: rated equal 8th most liveable city in the world.
Source: The Economist Intelligence Unit Dec 2010
• Adelaide: the third lowest business costs in its population bracket of 500,000 to 1.5 million people.
Source: KPMG Competitive Alternatives Study 2008
• Among the world's most cost-competitive locations for key industry sectors including automotive, aerospace, medical devices, precision manufacturing, plastics, and web and multimedia.
Source: KPMG Competitive Alternatives Study 2008
• Adelaide: among the world’s least expensive cities in which to live.
Source: Mercer Consulting Group, 2008 Cost of Living Survey
• Home to three well-established universities and, most recently, Carnegie Mellon - top in ICT and the only United States university in Australia.
Reasons to Invest
Business Environment
South Australia is highly affordable. The State offers great economic value and is one of the easiest and most cost-competitive locations in which to set up a business.
After surveying 102 cities around the world with more than 100,000 people and four Australian capital cities, international business consulting firm KPMG ranked Adelaide as:
• the most cost-competitive city for business in Australia;
• the third most cost-competitive city in the world in its population bracket (500,000–1.5 million);
• in the top most cost-competitive cities in the world in key industry sectors such as automotive, aerospace, medical devices, precision manufacturing, plastics, and web and multimedia.
Property, Land and Construction Costs
• Some of the lowest rents in Australia – including prime office, commercial and industrial property, and factory space.
• Competitively priced industrial land – among the lowest cost in the Asia-Pacific.
• Well-located, useable land among the highest quality in Australia.
• Fast planning approval times.
• Low energy costs.
Labour Supply & Cost
• Talented and cost-competitive workforce.
• Average weekly incomes among the most competitive of any mainland Australian State or Territory.
• One of Australia’s best industrial relations environments.
Strategic Position
South Australia is an affordable and highly cost-competitive environment for trade and business development. We have a well-developed industry base, a highly skilled, productive and flexible workforce, and world-class education and health systems.
More than A$70 billion in major developments is creating investment and job opportunities, and stimulating the growth of local industry and business.
Expansion of the State’s education, mining, defence and service sectors, along with the emergence of new cleantech industries and innovative information technology capabilities, are positioning South Australia for strong economic growth in the coming years.
We are actively building on our traditional strengths in advanced manufacturing, food and wine, and agriculture. With Australia’s highest proportion of businesses undertaking innovation through research and development, South Australia is becoming known as a place where intelligence, creativity and innovative ideas are contributing to a knowledge-based future.
Our “green” credentials are second to none. South Australia is a world leader in introducing climate-change legislation, and is actively pursuing investment in renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal and wave power.
The capital city, Adelaide, is one of Australia’s least costly cities in which to do business and is considered one of the world’s best business destinations.
It has Australia’s newest airport only 15 minutes from the city centre and is situated at the hub of the nation’s east-west and north-south road and rail networks.
A culturally diverse and welcoming coastal city boasting a Mediterranean climate, Adelaide provides a lifestyle and quality of life envied around the world.
Innovation and Research
Creativity – an innovative approach to problem solving and an ability to think outside the square – is an important element of the business culture in South Australia. This approach, combined with the fast adoption of new ideas, has earned the State a reputation as a spirited, forward-thinking and productive investment destination.
South Australia has significant research and development strengths, both academically and industrially, including universities, co-operative research centres, government research and testing organisations, and commercial capacities.
Government Support
The South Australian Government helps potential investors identify appropriate business partners and secure rapid and straightforward approvals for new projects. More...
Constellation SA
Constellation SA is a new South Australian research endeavour consisting of five foundation precincts: agriculture and horticulture; manufacturing and defence industries; life and medical sciences and preventative health; bioscience; and environmental sciences.
Each precinct is concentrating its efforts on a specific theme of research and industry activity that aligns with South Australia’s strengths or areas of opportunity. Visit Constellation SA for more information.
Back to top
