Remote Area Housing

In reply to the Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (2 December 2020).

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services): In addition to the response provided during Question Time, I have been advised:

SA Housing Authority continues to explore the most appropriate housing methods for remote communities.

By way of example, in December 2009, four transportable houses in Mimili and Amata were supplied by RENHE Australia Investment Group Pty Ltd, intended for short-term accommodation (approximately three years) for Amata and Mimili households during upgrade work. From 2010 to 2013 these houses were used to accommodate tenants on a short-term basis while their houses were being upgraded.

From 2014, I understand an organisational decision was made to continue using these houses to address the ongoing high levels of overcrowding in these two communities.

Housing SA at the time, was not directly made aware of the presence of asbestos in transportable houses supplied by REHNE Australia. However, after interstate media coverage, Housing SA engaged the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) to complete an inspection on 30 March 2017 and extensive use of asbestos material was discovered in the houses.

Housing SA commenced immediate action to ensure the health and safety of the tenants and reduce the impact to the communities. By October 2017, all tenants had been relocated, and the four dwellings had been removed.

I am advised that the total contract value to supply the four transportable container houses from RENHE Australia was $1,132,855 (GST inc.).

I am further advised that the inspection undertaken by the DPTI asbestos unit to determine the presence of asbestos was $16,498 (GST inc.), the cost of fencing to secure the properties was $22,961 (GST inc.) and the cost of removing all four asbestos buildings from the APY Lands to a certified asbestos waste facility was $165,154 (GST inc.).

SA Housing Authority undertook consultation with the Amata and Mimili community councils on the design and location of replacement buildings to facilitate informed and suitable outcomes for the communities. The consultation and approval process was finalised by September 2019.

On 5 February 2020, the APY Executive (the land holding body) granted development approval for the construction of replacement houses in Amata and Mimili.

Construction commenced in Amata in March 2020 and I am pleased to advise that the homes were completed on 15 December 2020.

The Mimili replacement homes have been incorporated into a larger housing replacement project in the community. SA Housing Authority is currently in negotiations with the nominated builder on a commencement date in early 2021.