Housing Trust horror sites set for upgrades – including scene of slaying
“Outdated” SA Housing Trust sites will receive security and clean-up upgrades, while the tenant selection process for walk-up flats has changed after community concerns were raised.
The state government today announced several Housing Trust sites would receive upgrades, including Gilberton’s Bentzen Court, which was the site of a stabbing death in July.
Elliot Lodge will also receive upgrades to its security and clean-up services, after 7NEWS revealed it averaged 20 police callouts per month since December.
The state government said it was taking action to make “dated” Housing Trust walk-up flats “cleaner and safer by modernising, maintaining and refurbishing” the properties.
It will also change the tenant selection process for Housing Trust walk-up flat sites.
This includes the appointment of a dedicated housing officer for Elliot Lodge, as well as implementing an “instant increase to cleaning, rubbish removal and graffiti removal”.
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The Trust will also install CCTV, demolish and refurbish laundries, and upgrade the complex’s painting, flooring and lighting.
Work will begin next month to secure broken windows, upgrade common areas, landscape outdoor areas and remediate a fire-damaged unit.
The state government has instigated a meeting between the Housing Trust and SAPOL on site this week to inspect Elliot Lodge and move on any “unwanted visitors”.
Bentzen Court also received upgrades recently, including CCTV, fencing, more cleaning, more frequent security patrols, and stricter tenancy management, the state government said.
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It comes as work is progressing at several sites across Adelaide, including Glengowrie Court, Drew Court at Oaklands Park and Nicholls Court at Findon.
The state government said those properties were “outdated by modern building and living standards and expectations”.
Further, the tenant selection process for walk-up flats has changed, with greater emphasis on considering the neighbourhood.
The state government said if “problematic” tenants “continue to ignore official warnings” it would “take action to remove them from their public house through the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal process”.
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Housing Minister Nick Champion said the changes would “bring these homes up to modern standards”.
“We have committed to immediate improvements at Elliot Lodge and Bentzen Court to give tenants and neighbours the confidence that their homes and communities are cared for and will be secure,” he said.
“Most Housing Trust tenants are good neighbours who deserve to feel safe and secure in their homes and their communities.
“We are unapologetic about taking firm action against those who continue to break the rules.”
