Mason St queried for social housing
Feedback on the proposed social housing development in Mason St, Warragul, does not question the local need for more public and community homes.
The concern is with the choice of location for a four-storey, 51 apartment building in an increasingly busy section of the town’s central business district.
Member for Narracan Wayne Farnham said representations to his office since the plans were revealed earlier this month questioned the practical feasibility of the site.
Parking, access to and from the property via a narrow laneway leading into the roundabout at the junction of Mason and William Sts, existing and growing traffic congestion in the area and dangers to pedestrians attempting to cross the road to visit businesses were some of the major concerns.
Mr Farnham added that the location in a growing night entertainment precinct - there are three nearby premises that regularly have music presentations - could also pose noise issues for those that would live in the residences.
He said he was gathering further feedback, not just from businesses in the area but from residents and visitors to Warragul, to present to the Minister for Housing.
Although there have been no negative comments about the need for more social housing, owners of a number of businesses and commercial properties in Mason St are unified in their belief that it’s “just not the right location” and not suitable either for businesses, their customers, visitors to offices or possibly as many as 150 people living in the proposed apartment blocks.
Mario Monacella, Stuart Lawson and Zander Thompson who operate businesses or own properties in Mason St do not support the location of the residential development within a prominent CBD area and there is a strong consensus among them that Baw Baw Shire council should also be pushing for an alternative site.
In a written response to inquiries by The Gazette, shire officers stated council was briefed on the proposal by developers Housing Choices Australia ahead of community consultation sessions on May 11 and last Wednesday, but had not formed a “collective view” on the matter.
Council will, however, be making submissions to the consultation process.
Mr Farnham said questions had also been raised by property and business owners as well as residents about potential impacts on Warragul’s future commercial development, in particular having a social housing complex in the middle of the CBD when the bordering former Bonlac site was eventually developed to cope with the town’s commercial needs with ongoing population growth.
He said everybody acknowledged the need for more social housing for the community given a lack of funding for many years.
The density of the proposed units and lack of adequate on-site car parking - 38 car parks and 56 bicycle parks - have also been raised with him.
“The concessions that have been made to accommodate the proposal’s on-site parking will only cause more issues.
“We need more social housing right across Narracan (electorate) but it has to be in the right locations, with the right facilities, car parking and access to services to ensure the best outcomes for everyone, Mr Farnham said.