Independent panel to assess new Foundation 61 site

THE City of Greater Geelong recently announced they would be request an independent panel to review the viability of a women’s-only community at a Mount Duneed care accommodation facility.

Foundation 61 is a not-for-profit organisation that looks to aid people with life-control issues, including but not exclusive to alcohol and drug problems. It seeks to provide people with safe accommodation and opportunities to move their lives forwards.

In March 2019, Foundation 61 submitted a proposal to build lodgings for up to eight women on the land at 120 Russells Road.

The foundation’s existing facility on 470 Williams Road, Mount Duneed, supports accommodation for up to 15 men at a time and includes 24-hour on site staff support.

The plan was open to community consultation in October and November last year. It received 38 submissions from the community, with 31 objecting to it and four supporting it.

Among the concerns voiced in the objections were the suitability of the location, the safety of nearby residents and users of the adjoining reserve, vegetation removal and increased traffic.

In December, the city also received a petition opposing the development with 130 signatories citing similar reasons to the objections submitted earlier in the year.

Foundation 61 founder Rob Lytzki said there was an urgent need for a women’s facility.

“It’s disappointing the process is taking so long, because there is nowhere else in Geelong for people to go.

“The process is dragging on because nobody wants it in their backyard. It’s people playing silly games with politics while people are dying.”

Kardinia Ward councillor Bruce Harwood agreed Foundation 61’s services should be expanded in the near future.

“These facilities are desperately needed. They (Foundation 61) play an incredibly important role in our community because the impact they have is substantial and changes lives.”

City of Greater Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said she appreciated the community’s feedback

“I thank those community members who took the time to make their submissions and encourage them to have their say at the independent panel hearing.”