It is doubtful you will find any of the residents of Gurwood Street disputing the fact that Wagga needs a business that deals with addiction.

As you so rightly describe it, it is a business.

It is a commercial enterprise and should therefore be zoned accordingly.

Make no mistake, there is money to be made from this: $12,000 for a 28-day stay, per person, for 12 people over 12 months adds up to quite a sizeable amount over time.

Much of the debate surrounding the centre has been focused on Wagga’s need for a recovery house to help those in the region who need it.

Those who think this is purely for locals are kidding themselves.

A high percentage of Wagga’s population is excluded simply because they cannot afford the price tag to get in the door.

The people of Wagga are not going to benefit from a facility that has fees that are so excessive; it is aimed at professionals from other cities who are aiming to get away to break their addictions.

How long can this establishment remain viable when the charges are so exorbitant, and what happens when they need to alter their management plan in order to remain viable? 

While it was stated “that it is for people that had gone through the stages of detox”, further investigation would have revealed that the developers stated at the public meeting that the minimum length of time a guest has to have been in detox is seven days.

Surely this is not long enough for someone to have gone through all the stages and be ready to integrate themselves into the community.

In fact, it’s when the hardships start, hence the concern local residents have about the risk of relapses.

The concerns of the residents surrounding this site has nothing to do with sweeping things under the carpet.

It has to do with regulations and the rights of citizens who should not have their importance placed below others who have chosen their own fate and now need these services. 

IS IT me or have other people noticed that all these people standing for the upcoming local council election who have been interviewed by the DA want to get their hands on our council’s cheque book – spend, spend, spend?

But then I guess it’s easier to spend other people’s money.

I AM referring to the letter in the DA on August 16 regarding “Locking them up is no solution”.

We know too well how much trouble we have with the youth living among us.

The police have an unbelievable job on their hands and we can only support them with this enormous task.

Now then, here is Father Chris Riley offering us his help. He has the experience and success for many years working with troubled youth.

He even offered to pay for four youth workers to teach restorative practises to Wagga youth.

It would be worth every household to contribute say $10 to help and support Father Riley

We should be so lucky to have a go at the program Father Riley is offering.

To my fellow residents, let’s give it a go, there is really nothing to lose.