By ANEEKA SIMONIS
IRATE residents have slammed the council with a landslide of objections to a proposed housing development for homeless people and domestic abuse victims in Pakenham.
Some have even committed to putting their face to the outrage and will speak out against the plan at a special meeting called by Cardinia Shire Council in response to high levels of community concern.
Council documents reveal that more than 40 submissions were made against the plan to build up to 10 welfare homes at Storey Road, Pakenham, in addition to a petition which was filed on behalf of Henty Park Estate residents.
Each objection, which includes fears incoming residents may pose safety threats or devalue surrounding properties, were outlined in documents announcing the meeting which will see councillors consider the submissions before handing down their final decision on Monday 18 July.
Three residents have asked to speak out on the proposal at the meeting according to council documents which said that just one submitter was in support of the social housing proposal.
The proposal, made in April, sent residents into an immediate tailspin and at least two large public meetings were held soon after the plan was announced.
Mayor Jodie Owen pleaded with residents to consider the people the development intends to help while attempted to soothe public fears of poor social and financial outcomes resulting from the development.
“These houses will put roofs over the heads of Cardinia shire families in dire need of support including single parent families and victims of domestic violence,” she said.
“Too many people in our community are living in insecure housing, sleeping rough or staring down the barrel of homelessness.
“We cannot simply stand by and watch this happen.”
Councillors unanimously approved the plan when it was first submitted.
