Western NSW Local Health District reveal plans for 16-bed Dubbo Residential Rehabilitation Centre
The Western NSW Local Health District has revealed plans for a 16-bed rehabilitation facility in the state’s central west, despite the concerns of nearby residents.
NSW
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Plans for a controversial drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in the state’s central west have been revealed, despite the concerns of nearby residents.
The Western NSW Local Health District (LHD) has lodged a development application for the Dubbo Residential Rehabilitation Centre prepared for public exhibition by Dubbo Regional Council before going to the Western Region Planning Panel.
The 16-bed facility, designed by Fulton Trotter Architects, will be located on Lot 500 Spears Drive, Dubbo, approximately 5km west of Dubbo Base Hospital.
The single-storey building consists of multiple residential areas, including bedrooms, living areas, consultation rooms, meeting and outdoor spaces.
The Western NSW LHD planner said the centre would be proposed to be constructed in stages, with a 16-bed facility initially built, as shown in the design, and a 24-bed expansion yet to be designed.
“Residential rehabilitation provides a safe and supportive environment for people to develop skills to cope with and address underlying issues leading to their alcohol and other drug use in a structured residential setting,” the planner said.
“Residential rehabilitation services in use a mix of therapeutic models, treatment intensity and length of stay.”
In June, exhibitions were held at Dubbo Square Shopping Centre and the site for a chance for the community to provide their feedback.
Mark Spittal, chief executive of the Western NSW LHD, thanked the community for their feedback, despite concerns of security and privacy.
“In computer-generated images the community was able to see what the facility may look like and how it will fit into the existing streetscape, using materials and colour schemes similar to what we see in the neighbourhood already,” Mr Spittal said.
“The floor plan and maximum height of the facility was also marked out on the site for our guided tours, which provided a more tangible vision of aspects we know are important to the community, like where it will be located on the site and how far it will be set back from the street.
“Importantly, the community was able to get more specific insight into our how their input from the first round of consultations in March helped to inform the design. For example, based on that feedback, we relocated the facility from the southern side to the centre of the site.
“Relocating the facility to be set back further from the street will help ensure the privacy of future residents.”
Last year, nearby residents formed the Rosewood Grove Action Group to oppose the site of the rehabilitation centre as the facility would be built in an already established area.
Previously speaking to this publication, committee member Rebecca Davey ensured the residents were in “strong support” of the facility, however, the rehab centre is argued to “change the character of the neighbourhood”.
“We will fight this development if it is sent to the Western Regional Planning Panel for approval,” she urged.
The group argued the clients in the facility would not get privacy.
The facility is yet to determine a commencement date.
Originally published as Western NSW Local Health District reveal plans for 16-bed Dubbo Residential Rehabilitation Centre
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