By ANEEKA SIMONIS
OFFICER residents who feared a drug rehabilitation centre would be built on their doorstep had their misconceptions corrected, after learning the vacant block would offer two disabled adults their first chance of living independently.
EACH, a welfare and housing provider, recently submitted an application to Cardinia Shire Council to build a twin-residency in Harvest Road in Officer.
The application was distributed to local residents who lodged several objections to council, citing concerns about the presumed use of the welfare-owned properties.
“It could potentially be used to house individuals undergoing rehabilitation in many forms. It also means that it is not much different to a ‘commission home’ of sorts,” read an anonymous letter addressed to the Pakenham Gazette.
But EACH CEO Peter Ruzyla, who wrote to each of the objectors personally, said federal funding for the specifically designed properties required the housing provider to lease only to adults with physical disabilities.
“Were it not for developments such as the housing proposed for 24 Harvest Road, these two individuals, despite being young adults, are very likely be forced to live in nursing homes,” he wrote.
According to EACH, more than 7000 young Australians currently live in inappropriate aged care facilities, impacting their quality of life, due to a lack of catered living options.
The scarcity of suitable housing can be traumatic for families forced to place their ageing loved ones into nursing homes prematurely to provide full-time care.
But Mr Ruzyla said it was mostly about providing people the dignity of independence. He encouraged objectors to withdraw their complaints with council to allow these prospective residents, who have both lived in the local area for decades, a chance at living independently – yet close to loved ones.
“The home to be built has been designed to allow each of the two residents to live independently of each other while also allowing them to share common areas,” Mr Ruzyla said.
“The unique design of the house in Officer will allow residents with mobility problems, such as that experienced from a stroke or MS, to continue to manage everyday tasks such as opening and closing doors, operating lights and electrical appliances remotely.
“Doors and corridors will allow wheelchair access, ramps will replace stairs for maximum mobility and kitchen, toilets, bathroom and laundry features will allow self-management of everyday tasks and personal needs.”
Mr Ruzyla categorically denied the chance of the site housing drug-dependent clients in the future.
“EACH Housing does not operate drug rehabilitation centres or any other kind of treatment centre,” he said.
The building application has been approved by property development group AV Jennings and will be decided upon at a later council town planning meeting.
