Eastern Victoria Region
Renee HEATH (Eastern Victoria) (12:50): (307) My question is for the Minister for Housing. Will the minister listen to the residents of Wonthaggi’s Caledonian Crescent who are concerned about the sudden influx of mental health social housing on their street? Last week the Sentinel-Times reported that the state Labor government had decided to suddenly create 12 government housing flats for people with significant mental health issues. The opinions of residents were not a priority, because some of these residents found out when they read about it in the local paper. Residents have raised concerns about this project being near such a small, quiet street full of young families. According to a resident, they said they recognise the importance of placing people with mental illness in the community, but rather than creating a pocket with 12 people with significant mental illnesses, it needs to be more spread out. Parents are particularly worried about the safety of their children. Minister, in order to give these vulnerable people the best chance, please consider consulting local residents first.