The nation’s investment in public rental housing in the post-war period has created major social and economic benefits however much of the stock is now at the end of its economic life and/or it does not meet current needs. Concentrations of entrenched social disadvantage have developed in some public housing estates.

The aim of this study is to gain an understanding of the problems being faced in public housing estate renewal projects and to develop a framework for project evaluation, particularly with respect to social and economic impacts. The policy context for estate renewal projects is that housing assistance has increasingly been delivered via rent assistance payments with CSHA funding being progressively cut back over the past decade. Some States are contracting their public rental stock, particularly in broad-hectare estates.

A review of overseas experience highlights the different circumstances that prevail and throws little light on the Australian situation. In Australia the need for estate renewal is driven largely by stock obsolescence and social problems are not as acute. The Australian literature does draw a link between concentrations of social disadvantage and public housing estates though. The need for a holistic approach to community renewal is advocated.