Surf Coast Shire to consider controversial Anglesea health hub plans

A plan that would see affordable housing added as part of an upgrade to an Anglesea health hub will be put before council in the face of strong community opposition.

An artist's depiction of the proposed Anglesea Community and Health Hub.

A concept plan that would see affordable housing added as part of an upgrade to an Anglesea health hub will be put before council in the face of strong community opposition.

Plans for the Anglesea Community and Health Hub go before Surf Coast Shire at their meeting on Tuesday.

According to the report which will be presented to council, the hub is “vitally important” for the town.

The site, which is located in the heart of Anglesea on McMillan St, is already home to a number of health facilities, including an Ambulance Victoria building, medical centre, maternal health centre and community health centre.

The plans would see a pair of two-storey buildings constructed – a health and medical building and community and occasional-care building.

An artist's depiction of the Anglesea Community and Health Hub.

The plans also include new parking spaces as well as green spaces.

Also included in the proposal is room for future affordable rental housing to be determined in detailed design.

According to the report, housing has been included in the plans due to an “urgent need” for affordable rentals in Anglesea.

“It’s needed for people with local jobs and connections, including existing Anglesea community members,” the report said.

“Renters earning under $105,000 a year are classified as being in ‘rental stress’, with the Anglesea median rental price of $625 per week.”

The current Barwon Health medical centre at the site. Picture: Mark Wilson

A petition to “totally reject the construction of any housing” in the hub received 257 signatures.

The Geelong Advertiser reported in April that Anglesea and Deans Marsh residents are concerned the council is “splashing millions” to overdevelop community hubs rather than addressing crucial needs.

The council will consider the petition, as well as all other submissions as part of its deliberations.

If approved by council, the plans will head into its next phase, including seeking funding for planning and design; detailed design and costing; staging of development; identification of a housing partner and a funding mechanism for implementation.

Originally published as Surf Coast Shire to consider controversial Anglesea health hub plans