By Aneeka Simonis
AN angst-provoking housing hub proposed for domestic violence escapees in Pakenham has been pulled off Cardinia Council’s agenda, but there is no saying the plan won’t resurface.
Up to 10 welfare homes were planned to be built on vacant land in Storey Road, Pakenham, to provide safe, secure and affordable housing for women and children escaping violent homes.
Heightened levels of community concern have surrounded the Cardinia Shire Council proposal which has attracted more than 40 submissions, sparked a number of community-led gatherings and a special council meeting.
At the council’s last meeting on Monday 19 September, it was revealed the plan was no longer scheduled to go ahead.
Or at least for now.
In answer to a question raised by a resident in the gallery, the council’s governance manager Doug Evans revealed the council had received interest from several housing agencies, but none had made the cut.
“Four expressions of interest were received but the council has been unable to attract a suitable partner throughout this process,” he said.
“At this stage, the process is not going to proceed.
However, he said the plan may be taken up again by incoming councillors due to take over the reins at the Saturday 22 October election.
“If the process does proceed, it will be a matter for the new council. We will undertake to consult with all residents in the vicinity as promised in regards to the development,” Mr Evans said.
Members of the Henty Park estate committee were in the gallery to hear the news.
Last month, they proposed the plan be scrapped and replaced with an assisted housing hub for youths with a disability.
They want to see the land turned into an independent living space for youths with a disability, assisted by 24/7 rotating carers.
The State Government recently announced two existing homes in the Pakenham area will be bought by housing agencies which work to provide secure, affordable living options to families escaping domestic abuse.
Availability of social housing has reached critically low levels in Cardinia Shire.
Social housing in the municipality represents less than one per cent of all properties in the municipality and rose by just a quarter of the population growth rate according to data from the Department of Human Services.
Cardinia Shire Council CEO Gary McQuillan has twice publicly announced the fight to end family violence in the community as one of the biggest issues facing the shire, and has pumped significant resources into violence prevention strategies in recent months.
