Relief project stalls

By Tania Martin
A PROPOSED hub facility housing several relief services and valued at an estimated $2 million could be in doubt following months of council inaction.
Belgrave’s Alan Coutinho-Hogan last week slammed the Shire of Yarra Ranges for not responding to calls for a feasibility study.
For months the Dandenong Ranges Relief Service had been waiting on confirmation of the study.
Mr Coutinho-Hogan said to gain cash through the next State Budget the study needed to be in by November.
He said for months the council refused to respond to locals calls for the study and now it was too late.
Mr Coutinho-Hogan said the project would now be put on hold while the council conducted the study.
He said it could be years before the money was made available.
The hub project aimed to build a one-stop shop for emergency relief services for the homeless and disadvantage members of the community.
It hoped to offer financial counselling, housing, shower and washing facilities for the homeless.
Mr Coutinho-Hogan also said a soup kitchen would be another great way of helping those less fortunate in the community.
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato also helped bring the concept together.
She told DRRS last June it was a great way forward and there needed to be a feasibility study done.
“I believe the concept of a one-stop shop for services is logical, convenient for the public and cost effective,” Ms Lobato said.
She said the first step was to get a feasibility study done.
Ms Lobato said the shire allocated funds and also applied for State cash for the study last December.
The council was still waiting to hear back regarding the application.
But Mr Coutinho-Hogan said it was all done too late. “We need something done to address the problems (homelessness) now not years down the track,” he said.
DRRS spokeswoman Anita Burman said the service was continuing to seek improved facilities to better assist people.
Ms Burman said DRRS is working with the shire on the hub project but they were waiting on the study to be done. “We hope continuing this partnership will achieve our mutual goal of better serving those in need within the community, particularly at this time of financial uncertainty,” she said.
The council refused to comment on the feasibility study.