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Bentzen Court: Council statement on safety measures

Published 15th July 2025
15 July 2025 - Council statement on safety measures at the Bentzen Court SA Housing Trust site.

Bentzen Court: Council statement on safety measures

Bentzen Court - front of building

The Town of Walkerville welcomes the State Government’s announcement of new safety measures at Bentzen Court in Gilberton, including CCTV installation, improved lighting, fencing and increased onsite oversight.

Council has consistently advocated for these improvements and formally wrote to the Minister for Housing on 24 June 2025, following the tragic incident at the site on 16 June 2025.

Our correspondence requested urgent action at SA Housing Trust properties in the Town of Walkerville and outlined key recommendations, including a site clean-up, stronger tenant management, participation in a round table discussion and the development of a public action plan.

Mayor Melissa Jones said Council had long raised concerns about SA Housing Trust locations – well before the recent tragedy.

“We’ve been calling for proactive solutions for years, including a 2020 motion to explore stronger oversight of housing trust sites,” Mayor Jones said.

“We wrote to the Minister in June with four clear requests, including an action plan, stronger tenant management and increased site security. We’re pleased to see the State Government now acting on them.

“While Bentzen Court is a State Government-owned site and Council has no jurisdiction over tenancy management or enforcement, we remain committed to doing everything we can to support community safety – through local programs, partnerships and advocacy.

“We welcome a collaborative approach and will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure change.”

View Council’s letter to the Minister here

As part of our 2025/26 Annual Business Plan, Council is also planning to rollout a suite of new safety initiatives, including:

  • security patrols of the Township;
  • a new community security grant program to assist residents in purchasing cameras or lighting;
  • increased engagement with SAPOL; and
  • crime prevention partnerships and safety education campaigns.

Council remains committed to prioritising safety and wellbeing across the Township – and will continue working closely with the State Government, SAPOL and local communities.