Media Release

Peter Gutwein MP
Liberal Member for Bass

Sunday 21st February 2010

Government must listen to Social Inclusion Commissioner on St Leonards units

Member for Bass Peter Gutwein has called on the State Government, through local Minister Michelle O'Byrne, to heed the concerns of its own Social Inclusion Commissioner David Adams regarding the proposed construction of 25 social housing units at St Leonards.

Mr Gutwein said that the Social Inclusion Commissioner had raised a number of concerns when he addressed the meeting at St Leonards yesterday including:

• That the development proposed was a 'compressed, low cost, high volume' option that was not in keeping with the current mix of dwellings in the area;
• The difficulty as a result for the development to integrate into the area;
• The distance from local shops and lack of 'walkability';
• Lack of local services such as access to local health care and transport options, and
• The lack of green space included in the proposal.

Mr Gutwein said that he fully supported Mr Adams comments and commended him for taking a stand against what has been proposed.

As a result of these concerns and the many others raised by local residents Minister O'Byrne should ensure that the Government extend the timeframe for consultation by two months said Mr Gutwein.

This development has the potential to change the nature and character of the existing neighbourhood and should be resisted in its current form.

Mr Gutwein, who moved the motion for the extension of time for consultation said that that it was apparent at yesterday’s meeting that whilst residents are very concerned about the style of development being proposed, they are not against social housing in their community.

The extension to the period of consultation would enable residents to express their concerns fully and would allow many of the excellent suggestions made to be worked through.