Residents in the area of Hadfield Street and Princess Highway are up in arms at the East Gippsland Shire Council saying they have been given little to no time to respond to a community housing development proposed in their part of town.
According to nearby resident Arthur Waterton, a community housing project is proposed on a parcel of land (Hadfield Reserve) that has been a safe place the local children to play and kick the footy for more than 40 years.
Council gave notice to the local residents on July 9. Concerned residents can give feedback up until August 2.
Jeremy Schroder, of East Gippsland Advocacy Group, supports the concerned residents.
“The entire proposal appears messy, lazy and poorly thought out,” he said.
“It has the feel of needing to be rammed through procedure with an immediate and direct negative impact on homeowners and residents currently neighbouring the site.”
Long term residents Arthur and Kaye Waterton, along with a strong group protesting with a petition which has garnered more than 150 signatures, cannot believe the shire would consider developing a social housing precinct in a small space accessed by with a single narrow laneway in between homes.
“I thought councils and councillors had a social and moral responsibility to look after the lives and wellbeing of “ratepayers,” Arthur said.
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“It appears not to be the case with the East Gippsland Shire and at my age and time in life this hair-brain idea of just popping a few dwellings into a secluded space that has been a safe playground for local kids for so long is a very stressful proposal and not well considered.”
The protesting residents believe council has been secretive about what they wish to do with the land.
Their collective view is that its unreasonable to remove the reserve with minimal consultation with the potentially affected residents of the area.
“No one is against social housing, but this area is simply not ideal and perhaps a social housing precinct would be better positioned where services are closer for new residents,” Arthur said.
“Our existing local residents’ group strongly disagree with any permit application by the shire to develop what they have known historically as their reserve where children safely play.
“Unfortunately a gate has been placed across the laneway entrance on Hadfield Street limiting free access to the local community kids.”
Members of the group said they have found it difficult to provide feedback when they have no or little information about the proposal.
They are calling on councillors to visit their neighbourhood to see for themselves what council administrators have proposed.
East Gippsland Shire mayor, Cr Tom Crook said the sale of the Hadfield Reserve and possible development proposal strives to achieve the best outcomes for communities.
“We are experiencing a housing crisis and the need for additional affordable housing is more prevalent now than ever before,” he said.
“One positive way we can make an impact as a council is through the provision of land to support affordable housing.
“We have a shared responsibility to address the need for social and affordable housing and It is important that we work with our key partners to try and address this issue and support some of the more valuable people in our community.”
