Opposition remains
CONCERNED RESIDENTS PROTEST PROPOSED DRUG AND ALCOHOL RECOVERY CENTRE
Concerned residents of Numurkah and surrounds presented a united front yesterday against a drug and alcohol recovery centre proposed to be built near the town.
A group of about 10 residents hand-delivered about 100 objections to the centre, planned to be developed at a site known locally as Brookfield, on Watters Rd, about 8 km south-east of Numurkah.
They gathered outside Moira Shire Council offices in Cobram to deliver their submissions on the proposed facility, as part of the public exhibition period of the development’s planning application.
They stood holding a sign saying ‘‘Rehab OK, Brookfield NO WAY’’ in protest at the plans.
The Australian Community Support Organisation wants to build the Goulburn Valley Addiction Recovery Centre on the site and lodged the application with council last month.
ACSO’s plans have been met with opposition from a group of nearby residents who say they are fearful for their safety if the centre goes ahead.
Brookfield Action Group spokeswoman Sandy Rodwell, of Wunghnu, said residents were concerned about families dealing with drug abuse and acknowledged the need for addiction rehabilitation services.
But Mrs Rodwell said residents were of a strong opinion that the proposed site was unsuitable not only because of fears it would compromise their safety, but that it would not put locals first.
‘‘We’re concerned about the rest of the community, many of whom are elderly and who already live in fear due to the drug problems in town,’’ she said.
‘‘Most of us are well into our 50s and over, and many of us live alone.
‘‘Although we have been informed by ACSO that the proposed facility will help local people, we’ve also been told by ACSO that they will be bringing addicts and offenders from the courts into our area.
‘‘We have reason to believe that these offenders may be given priority over locals to receive rehab. This needs to be clarified.’’
Mrs Rodwell said safety worries centred around the fact Numurkah does not have a 24-hour manned police station, and that Shepparton’s Goulburn Valley Health is the closest emergency department, some 20 minutes’ drive away.
She said the proposed location was in an area prone to flood and bushfire, and also raised concerns about the potential impact on endangered wildlife.
‘‘We’re concerned enough to take a stand, to step out of our comfort zone and say ‘stop’,’’ she said.
‘‘Please think this through and find a more suitable location for all.’’
Council will hold a planning hearing on Monday in which individuals will be able to share their views directly with councillors.
Moira Shire Council chief executive officer Mark Henderson said at the hearing, the applicant and people who submitted feedback to council would be allotted a time to speak to their submission.
The time period for submissions for those who wanted to speak at the hearing closed yesterday.
Council is expected to make a decision on ACSO’s application at its monthly meeting in June, and will continue to accept feedback submissions until that time.