THE Property Council of Australia has welcomed the South Australian Government's announcement that its Urban Renewal Authority will commence on 1 March 2012, calling it a critical step in delivering key elements of the 30-Year Plan for Greater Adelaide.

Property Council of Australia (SA Division) Executive Director Nathan Paine said renewal authorities are critical for delivering better communities and new lifestyle opportunities, as well as for easing housing affordability pressures.

"The formation of the Urban Renewal Authority means there's will now be one State Government voice for all urban development matters, and a single gateway to the housing and development services that government provides," Mr Paine said.

Mr Paine said the Authority, which has been long advocated for by the Property Council in order to deliver urban infill communities, will improve efficiency for businesses that work within the property industry.

According to the Property Council, "extensive overseas study and research has proven the Urban Renewal Authority model is the most effective way of ensuring that infill communities succeed."

Mr Paine said South Australia is fortunate "that so much effort has gone into thinking and planning for our urban future."

"As a result we have a 30-Year Plan that maps out how the state's growth will be managed while protecting the majority of the urban fabric that makes Adelaide unique and beautiful," Mr Paine said.

"The new Authority will be a crucial tool in delivering these infill developments quickly, and to the quality that Adelaideans are used to.

"With the Authority's help, Adelaide's new infill suburbs will redefine how open space can and should be used; they'll demonstrate the benefits of living in well-connected, diverse and walkable communities, and they'll prove that there are desirable alternatives to detached dwellings," Mr Paine said.

The establishment of an urban renewal authority for South Australia was announced by Premier Jay Weatherill in November last year.

The authority will bring together agencies responsible for land and housing development and help to revitalise South Australia's cities, suburbs and towns and identify land and public housing stock that will benefit from urban renewal.