The Territory Labor Government is delivering on an election commitment to redevelop the Davoren Circuit and Bonson Terrace public housing complex in Moulden.

The 35-year-old complex is beyond its economic life and has attracted anti-social behaviour over many years in the Moulden area.

The Moulden suburb has one of the highest concentrations of public housing assets in the Territory, and this de-densification will assist in improving anti-social behaviour. 

Once all tenants have been re-housed by May, demolition of the site will occur, with tenders to be released shortly.

The Territory Government is working on ensuring there is no loss of social housing stock in the Territory by working with agencies and industry to identify sites for future redevelopment to deliver replacement social housing. This approach includes facilitating private sector investment and growth of the community housing sector as a key deliverer of social housing and also in line with the TERC report.

The temporary reduction in public housing dwellings through the initial demolition is offset by 30 new social housing head leased dwellings in The Narrows, under the Social Housing Head Leasing initiative. These dwellings are due for completion in May 2021.

The area will benefit from other upgrades, with City of Palmerston committing to a significant upgrade of Tiverton Playground, located less than 200m from Davoren Circuit, along with upgrading street and public lighting. 

Quotes from the Minister for Territory Families and Urban Housing, Kate Worden:

“It is important as a Government we always revaluate our public housing assets and see how sites can be redeveloped – Daveron flats is a good example of that process.

“As this area has seen an increase in antisocial behaviour over time, the demolition of these flats has an added social and community benefit.

“We are not leaving any of our residents homeless, they will be placed in alternate public housing dwellings in accordance with public housing policy.

“In consultation with the local community we will investigate potential redevelopment opportunities for longer term use of the site.”

Quotes from the Member for Drysdale, Eva Lawler:

“As the Member for Drysdale, I have ongoing complaints about the antisocial behaviour at the public housing units on Davoren Circuit from neighbours of the complex, sporting groups who utilise the oval across the road, community members, families and staff at the school.

“This was an election commitment of mine to our community and I will continue to deliver for the people of Drysdale to make Palmerston the family capital of the Territory.