South Australia ‘first out of the blocks’ to buy federal defence land for housing

Two barracks, each less than 10km from Adelaide's CBD, have progressed with plans to become new housing precincts.Two new housing precincts are progressing in Adelaide thanks to a collaborative effort between the state and federal governments.The federal government has entered into formal negotiations with the state government of South Australia to transfer ownership of Hampstead Barracks, 6km from the centre of Adelaide, so the military quarters can be turned into a new residential development.The Hampstead site is one of more-than 60 locations that were identified in the independent Defence Estate Audit released in February, which pinpointed defence land with “no clear or ongoing link to capabilities or keeping Australians safe” and therefore could be sold to states or private entities.But making the transition from defence land to new residential precincts is a long process, and the South Australian government must first reach a deal with the federal government on market value for the land and “mutually acceptable terms”.A master plan for the precinct also must be developed, while the government will need to find a suitable place to relocate the current administration staff, cad...