Residents and councillors opposed to a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility in Central Wagga have slammed the developer’s latest attempt to earn planning approval.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Developer Debbie Cox has pledged to appeal the proposal’s refusal by Wagga councillors back in August, without fundamentally changing any aspects of the application.
Councillor Yvonne Braid, who voted to reject the rehabilitation facility the first time, still harbours concerns for residents’ safety.
“Once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic,” Cr Braid said.
“Alcoholics are unstable and you never know what will set them off from one day to the next.
“There’s alcohol available quote close to the site, as well as a lot of children, women and elderly.”
Cr Braid took issue with private sector drug and alcohol services not being subject to any government regulation or oversight.
All residents would have to observer curfews – usually around 10.30 to 11pm – but only one residential care worker would be on duty overnight between 6pm and 8am.
Councillor Paul Funnell is unlikely to soften his opposition to the proposed Gurwood Street development, although he committed to considering any changes.
“Put the rehab in the medical precinct or a greenfield (undeveloped) site and let residents choose if they want to live next to it,” Cr Funnell said.
“It’s been argued this will assist the drug problem in every street in Wagga, but this is an opportunity for the elite.”
Treatment is expected to cost $12,000 for 28 days.
A poll conducted in May by The Daily Advertiser suggested views were split on the proposed location of the Riverina Recovery House, with 46.5 per cent disagreeing with the location, 44.5 per cent backing the plan and 10 per cent who didn't care.
Gurwood Street resident Michael Walker was surprised developers could lodge an appeal before council, believing August’s decision was final barring a court challenge.
“I’m concerned it's come up again, purely and simply because council thought it was in the community’s interest to decline it,” Mr Walker said.
“If developers are fair dinkum about doing something for the good of Wagga, then let's have a public meeting about it.”
Would-be management of the facility has maintained only drug and alcohol addicts who have already gone through detox would be allowed at Riverina Recovery House.
A minimum stay for residents at the facility would be eight weeks, but it’s expected some residents would stay for four months.
