MP in call for Youth Foyer site choices
FOUR alternative sites have been identified for the controversial five-storey public housing project proposed for a suburban lot in Aitkenvale.
Opposition planning spokesman Andrew Powell has written to Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni following a community forum attended by more than 60 irate residents last week.
The residents unanimously objected to the five-storey 40unit foyer being built at all in Elizabeth St.
In his letter Mr Powell provided a “non-exhaustive” set of alternative sites including a spot adjacent to the TAFE site in Pimlico, the old Italian Club site in Fleming St, Aitkenvale, a vacant spot on Charters Towers Rd and state-owned land in the Townsville CBD.
“From the feedback I received at the community meeting, the unanimous rejection from residents wasn’t due to the intent of the proposal but due to the exceptionally poor design for the intended location,” Mr Powell wrote.
“While youth foyers are recognised for providing supportive pathways for young tenants from damaging home environments, I am unaware of any others in Australia that are as large, densely populated and located within a suburban neighbourhood as what is proposed for Townsville.”
The Townsville Bulletin reported last week that disgruntled residents opposing the Youth Foyer will know their fate next month. An official for the Department of Housing and Public Works has confirmed it is now considering all feedback received and will hand its report to the State Government by the end of the month before a way forward is announced mid May.