By ANEEKA SIMONIS
RESIDENTS surrounding land earmarked for housing single-parent families escaping domestic violence believe the contested plan should be scrapped and replaced with an assisted housing hub for youths with a disability.
Henty Park Estate Committee members last week met to elaborate on the plan which would ideally take young disabled residents out of aged care facilities living independently of but in close quarters with 24/7 rotating carers.
The meeting came days after Cardinia Shire Council announced it has begun negotiating with housing associations to build affordable, safe housing for residents facing family violence, social disadvantage and financial hardship.
However, it may be a tall order for residents to steer council away from the idea.
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 have pumped significant resources into heading the Together We Can initiative.
But Councillor Collin Ross, seated among committee members at the Thursday 28 July meeting, gave assurances no plan has been set in stone.
“Council is open to listening to different ideas,” he said, adding he would not vote in favour of a plan that did not suit the community or did not consult plans with the Henty Park Estate Committee.
He said council looked at six vacant blocks across the shire including land in Officer, Beaconsfield and Officer to develop the social welfare hub, but decided on the Storey Road site due to its proximity to public transport, shops and social services.
Residents conceded they would accept the plan if tenants were properly managed by the chosen housing provider, but sincerely believe an assisted living development for youths with a disability would better suit the community.
However, there are already four independent living premises for people with a disability in Cardinia Shire, with a fifth under construction.
A twin residency, purpose-built home for adults with “severe and profound” physical disabilities at Harvest Road, Officer, began construction earlier this year.
Councillors unanimously supported the Storey Road housing plan for disadvantaged families at the Monday 18 July meeting.
A number of Henty Park Estate residents attended.
The proposal sits in line with several state-based initiatives working to put a roof over the heads of women and children escaping family violence situations.
Most recently, the government announced more than 300 homes would be set aside for these victims.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed homes in Cardinia Shire, City of Casey and Greater Dandenong will be bought out by housing organisations to house domestic violence survivors as part of their response to the Royal Commission into Family Violence.
Additionally, houses in Casey and Dandenong will be leased to welfare housing agencies to meet the growing demand for safe housing.
Councillors spoke at length on the social housing crisis impacting the growing municipality in addition to increasing rates of domestic violence and financial instability as a cause for homelessness as they announced their approval.
The plan received more than 40 submissions in addition to a petition against the plan in the lead-up to the meeting.
Council confirmed the chosen housing provider will consult with residents on plans for the development before they go ahead.
Strict eligibility criteria will also be used to select prospective tenants and the provider – along with local support agencies – will undertake responsibility of ensuring tenants have ongoing access to referral services and outreach programs.
The prospective housing provider will need to get council approval before going ahead with the development.
Councillors agreed they would not approve a plan deemed inappropriate for the area.
Council has not yet revealed any plans that may have been submitted by interested housing associations. Westernport Accommodation and Youth Support Service (WAYYS) found reported family violence, financial difficulties and job insecurity were the top reasons for housing assistance requests in the south-east region.
Council has stipulated the land will only be sold or leased on the proviso it always remain an affordable living site.
