New affordable housing development in Blakeview
In a massive boost to the housing market in the Northern suburbs, we will transform a 3.25-hectare parcel of vacant land in Blakeview into 62 affordable homes. This development stands at the corner of Craigmore Road and Bentley Road. Fairmont Group will build these homes, which are priced from $586,500, as a mix of two-and-three-bedroom homes, designed to meet the needs of local families and individuals seeking affordable homes.
Civil works are currently underway, and will be finalised in May 2025, with new home construction beginning shortly thereafter. The site will also deliver a large reserve along Craigmore Road, retaining the established trees and natural environment for use by residents and the local community.
Maintenance Contracts Review
The SA Government has now released its findings of the SA Housing Trust maintenance contracts review that was announced as part of the Housing Roadmap in June 2024. The 90-day review of the Trust’s maintenance contracts included input from a range of stakeholders including head contractors, subcontractors, and tenants. The review focused on payments to sub-contractors, maintenance service performance, dispute resolution mechanisms and communication.
A key outcome of the review is an announcement of an extra $37.1 million to accelerate the delivery of necessary maintenance and upgrades on vacant SA Housing Trust properties. Other key findings from the review include:
- no evidence of systemic underpayments or delayed payments for completed and compliant works
- confirmed the limited availability of trades is impacting the backlog of overdue work orders
- vacancy maintenance is not being completed quickly enough
- current trades pricing is below market rates making it harder to attract sub-contractors, and
- contractors must communicate with tenants better about works being completed.
Recommendations include:
- The approach to vacancy maintenance to be adjusted to ensure that contracted vacant property turnaround times are achieved
- Reviewing the Schedule of Rates to better align with market rates appropriate for social housing contracts, Including travel, location and health and safety related loadings
- Reviewing the impact that the current Treasurer’s Instructions and Financial Delegations have on the speed of delivery and recommend variations or exemptions that may be required, and
- The Trust improving communications with key stakeholders.
Major upgrade of Aboriginal crisis accommodation
Crisis accommodation can be a critical lifeline to families escaping difficult situations. We have recently completed major renovation of our Aboriginal crisis accommodation 'Kurlana Tampawardli'. The short-term crisis accommodation offers support for people visiting Adelaide from remote communities and are at risk of sleeping rough. It also supports our tenants who are experiencing overcrowding in their homes.
Community housing provider, Uniting Communities, manages the property and offers temporary accommodation for up to four families, with staff onsite providing support 24/7. During their stay, families are provided with practical and culturally informed support that will help them navigate new challenges as they transition to longer-term accommodation. Part of their service is also helping people to return to country using ‘safe tracking’.
Murray Bridge office relocates to a temporary workspace
SA Housing Trust's Murray Bridge regional office has moved to a temporary office on 28 Bridge Street, Murray Bridge, from Tuesday 28 January 2025 while the current office undergoes renovation.
The temporary office is just a few metres away.
Our business hours will continue to remain the same, from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 pm.
You can call the Murray Bridge office at 131 299.
A paw-some Christmas for Greyhounds
Every year, hundreds of greyhounds exit the racing industry and transition to life as family members. Many also go through special placements in prisons, schools and aged care facilities to help prepare them for their different lives and provide important emotional support to vulnerable people. Most of these hounds have never had simple dog experiences like having squeaky toys, blankets and treats.
Our staff brought smiles to Sybil (Greyhound) and her four-legged friends with dog toys and other donations, who are part of the Greyhound Adoption Program in foster homes. The donations include dog toys, treats, enrichments, and blankets for greyhounds as they wait for their forever homes.
Our Annual Report 2023 to 2024
We have published SA Housing Trust's Annual Report for the year 2023-2024.
The comprehensive document outlines our performance, achievements and challenges over the past year.
