Haven promises engagement, backs record on care facility

THE HAVEN Foundation says state government confidentiality rules prevented it from discussing a planned mental health care facility at Torquay with the project’s neighbours.

The social housing developer has also responded to concerns about planning exemptions and community safety as it prepares to consult with locals about its Torquay proposal.

Haven Torquay is building a residential centre at Silvereye Street under the Victorian government’s $5.3 billion Big Housing Build, to provide long-term housing for people with mental health concerns.

Critics including Polwarth MP Richard Riordan have questioned transparency of the application process, which is subject to special planning assessments aimed at fast-tracking construction.

Haven will begin meeting concerned residents this week following confirmation it would receive the state funding.

The Haven Foundation executive director of housing strategy Mark Heeney said “confidentiality requirements of its funding partners” had prevented it sharing earlier details.

“We greatly appreciate the concern and frustration that local residents experience throughout this process.

“Our preference and intention is always to provide information to local residents at the earliest opportunity and work with them to ensure that new Haven residences fit harmoniously into their local surroundings.

“Now that funding is confirmed, [Mind Australia] and The Haven Foundation has begun letterboxing and speaking to neighbours in the local area to provide information and answer questions and concerns.”

Mr Heeney said Haven would still comply with planning requirements such as height and overlooking, and that the building would “be built to a high-quality standard”.

The organisation also downplayed safety concerns to community members and the nearby Torquay Coast Primary School, pointing to its “exemplary record” at existing developments including Roslyn Road, Highton.

“Mental health concerns affect many people in our community but this does not automatically make them dangerous or people to be feared. They are friends, family, colleagues and neighbours from the local community,” Mr Heeney said.

“Haven residents are carefully vetted before moving in and are able to live peacefully and successfully in the community with some support with everyday tasks.”

The facility would meet an urgent need for social housing on the Surf Coast, where demand for properties is 10 times higher than supply.

Meanwhile, Mr Riordan has begun circulating a parliamentary petition calling for a new location for the development, which he plans to table in October.

“The Surf Coast community fully supports local affordable and accessible housing within their community, however the state government has a responsibility to provide this in the most appropriate location,” the petition states.

The petition claims the Silvereye Street development fails to provide an adequate safe outdoor space for residents, off-street parking and conflicts with agreements homeowners signed when buying into the estate.