Feedback on a proposed women-only community care accommodation facility in Mount Duneed will be considered by an Independent Panel.
Amendment C401 seeks to pave the way for the proposed centre on vacant Farming Zoned land at 120 Russells Road. The amendment aims to provide opportunities for vulnerable community members to seek treatment for drug and alcohol related issues.
Not-for-profit organisation Foundation 61 wants to run the facility for up to eight women to live in at once, supported by five staff members.
The community had its say on the amendment from 17 October to 25 November 2019. Of the 38 submissions received, 31 objected to the proposal, four were in support, two had no objections and one requested changes. A petition against the proposal was also received in December 2019.
Those who supported the amendment believed the proposed facility would meet a local need and benefit the community, and that the site was offered an ideal location. Submitters also felt the proposed facility would complement the men’s facility run in Mount Duneed by Foundation 61.
Some of the issues raised include the appropriateness of the location, safety of nearby residents and users of the adjoining reserve, vegetation removal and traffic.
At the 24 March 2020 council meeting, councillors referred the matter to the Independent Panel and also resolved to make changes to the amendment to address some of these issues if the facility goes ahead, including:
- Limiting visiting hours to 1-6pm on weekends;
- A requirement to provide appropriate offsets before native vegetation is removed; and
- A requirement for a facility management plan, that ensures on-site supervision and support of residents at all times, incident management and maintenance.
Two Sheoak trees previously set to be removed would remain after a revised site plan reduced the number of car parks.
The Independent Panel’s recommendations will be considered by the council before a final decision is made.
Councillor Stephanie Asher – Mayor
I thank those community members who took the time to make their submissions and encourage them to have their say at the Independent Panel hearing.
I look forward to hearing the panel’s recommendations.
Councillor Bruce Harwood – Kardinia ward
These facilities are desperately needed. They play an incredibly important role in our community because the impact they have is substantial and changes lives.
We’ll keep an open mind and wait to see what the independent panel brings back, and we do encourage members of the community to provide their feedback to the panel.
