Social housing set to go ahead

Bunbury City Council looks set to approve a social housing development, despite a big number of residents and business owners expressing concern.

Community support agency AccordWest is asking for council approval to build a modern two-storey building at Forrest Avenue in Bunbury, which would be used to cater for young families.

The development proposes four social housing units and a second stage – which would need separate approval – to include transitional accommodation to cater for teenagers.

The council has been advised to grant development approval for the proposal.

However, a group of residents filed a petition signed by 106 people opposing the development and the council has received a further 28 objections to the proposal.

The petition claims the development does not meet State and local government planning schemes, regulations or policies and information about the effect of the development, including character of the area and social impact, was not provided.

Among the objections is a joint submission from nearby businesses Rando and Associates, Forrest Physiotherapy, Cathie Rice Travel, JL Plumbing and two residents.

The group said social housing is a necessary service in Bunbury, but the development had “grave potential to create a ghetto-like situation”.

AccordWest chief executive officer Neil Hamilton told theSouth Western Times the organisation saw itself as part of the solution, not part of the problem.

“It’s an important development for AccordWest, but also it’s an important development for the community, which is most important,” Mr Hamilton said.

“We believe it’s a very effective location given its proximity to AccordWest, the Housing Authority and shopping centre.

“We have a zero tolerance on drugs and alcohol on the premises.”

Mayor Gary Brennan previously said some of the concerns raised by residents were not valid and yesterday added that more housing options were needed in the city.

“There’s a need for more social housing, more affordable housing and more crisis housing,” Mr Brennan said.

“So all three categories, there’s a need for all of them.”

The council will decide at next week’s meeting whether to approve the development.