Objectors risk appeal

By Casey Neill
The Department of Human Services last December applied to use the home at 20 Augusta Road for family violence victims and perpetrators.
Knox councillors granted the permit with strict conditions at their 28 April meeting.
The permit stipulated DHS must agree not to use the site as a drop-in centre, crisis accommodation, crisis intervention or halfway house.
Those receiving treatment must do so voluntarily, and operating hours were limited.
Chandler Ward councillor John Mortimore said residents risked losing these restrictions.
“They have not thought through the consequences of their actions,” he said.
“They’re likely to end up in a worse situation than they’re in now.”
Cr Mortimore said DHS had purchased the property and could use it for crisis accommodation and other services if the permit was overturned.
He will ask La Trobe MP Jason Wood to “explain the realities they’re facing” to residents.
Mr Wood supported residents’ objections to the centre.
“I think that they would listen to him,” Mr Mortimore said.
“Hopefully he’ll be able to talk some sense into them.”
Residents’ spokeswoman Robbie Fincham said they were confident of a positive outcome when VCAT heard the matter.
More than 60 objectors from Augusta Road and surrounding streets form the class action.
“The residents are very disappointed that the councillors didn’t, and still aren’t listening to their constituents,” she said.
Ms Fincham said the centre would have a detrimental effect on neighbourhood character and amenity, increase traffic and cause parking problems.
“It’s very simply inappropriate development in a residential street,” she said.
“Our legal representative is of the opinion that we have very good grounds.”