News

Petition calls for community consultation on drug rehab location

Thursday 26 July 2018

A lack of community consultation on the location of a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility in Wangaratta is a concern to some residents, Nationals Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy said.

Mr McCurdy attended the community information session held recently to discuss details of the facility to be established in Greta Road, at the former school site.

Mr McCurdy said while the majority of people in attendance at the meeting were supportive of the establishment of the service, there were concerns raised about the location.

“No-one is denying the need for this facility in Wangaratta but some people are not happy that community consultation failed to occur before a location was chosen,” Mr McCurdy said.

“It’s reasonable to expect that the views of the local community be taken into account in the establishment of a residential drug and alcohol service in the town.”

Mr McCurdy said concerned residents had started a petition calling for the government to undertake public consultation on the location, prior to the development starting.

“I believe the local community overall recognises the need for residential rehab in Wangaratta but was quite surprised the location was chosen and announced without any prior community knowledge,” he said.

“To that end, people can now sign a petition which calls for community consultation to take place before proceeding with the development.”

The petition to the Legislative Assembly of Victoria highlights the need for public consultation on the location of the new drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation service and requests that the Andrews Labor Government consult with the community regarding the location of the facility before proceeding.

The petition can be signed at Mr McCurdy’s electorate office at 15 Murphy St, Wangaratta or by contacting Wangaratta resident Sylvia Edwards via Mr McCurdy’s office. The petition is available to be signed until Friday 17 August.