Introduction to the Controversy
The usually quiet lakeside hamlet of Summerland Point on the Central Coast has been rocked by a proposal for a 15-room Aboriginal group home, which has attracted a staggering 728 objections from the community.
The Proposal
A town planning firm called ADW Johnson has lodged a $1.6m proposal to turn a former school site into a group home for up to 15 permanent and transitional residents, but the identity of the client behind the plans has been kept secret.
Community Opposition
The proposal has been met with widespread opposition from the community, with many residents expressing concerns about the lack of services in the area, including police, fire, and ambulance services, which are 20-30 minutes away.
Concerns About Transparency
The lack of transparency around the proposal has also been a major point of contention, with many residents feeling that they have not been adequately informed about the plans, and that the whole process has been shrouded in secrecy.
The Site and Its Owners
The 2.63ha site, which is made up of three lots, is owned by Yerin Aboriginal Health Services, which purchased it in July 2023 for $3.9m.
The Planning Documents
The Statement of Environmental Effects (SoEE) outlines plans to retain an existing seven-bedroom building on the site for permanent residents, as well as erect six relocatable dwellings to house a further eight bedrooms for permanent or transitional residents.
What’s Next
The SoEE also lists dozens of appendices, which include reports on biodiversity, tree removal, crime, and operational management, but all of these appendices have been redacted, leaving residents with more questions than answers.
The Community’s Response
The overwhelming response from the community has been that the location of the proposed group home is not suitable, with many residents expressing concerns about the lack of public transport and the fact that there is only one road in and out of the suburb.
The Future of the Proposal
Submissions on the proposal close on July 7, and it remains to be seen how the council will respond to the overwhelming community opposition to the plans.
Conclusion
The proposal for a 15-room Aboriginal group home in Summerland Point has sparked a heated debate in the community, with many residents expressing concerns about the lack of transparency, the suitability of the location, and the potential impact on the local area.