A piece of land in Seaton, Adelaide, that was intended for a housing project involving over 100 houses has been sitting mostly vacant for three years, prompting criticism from the opposition regarding the government's handling of the site amidst a housing crisis. The development, announced in 2021, was expected to kick off in late 2022, but progress has been minimal, leading to concerns about the delayed implementation of the project.
The opposition, led by housing affordability and urban development spokeswoman Michelle Lensink, has accused the government of failing to act promptly on the housing project, claiming that the site, initially prepared and funded by the previous government, has not seen significant advancements, with no visible construction activity. Despite plans for over 100 properties to be built on the land, which includes a mix of affordable homes, social housing, and properties for market sales, the site remains undeveloped, drawing criticism for not addressing the pressing housing needs of the community.
In response to the accusations, the government has emphasized that civil works have commenced at the Seaton site and highlighted their broader efforts to boost housing availability in the region, with Housing and Urban Development Minister Nick Champion stating that the project is progressing as planned. Premier Peter Malinauskas has defended the government's actions, acknowledging the challenges in housing construction but affirming their commitment to accelerating the process to address the housing crisis. Despite differing perspectives on the delays and progress of the project, both sides underscore the importance of expediting the development to alleviate the demand for housing in Adelaide.