War of words over St Stephen’s Hospital development

Claims on social media that a redevelopment of St Stephen’s Hospital would accommodate former prisoners and the ‘mentally ill’ have been shot down by the developer and Fraser Coast council.

Developer Brad Hall refuted claims the facility would be a mental health institution and said the former hospital was currently being reborn as Maryborough Village.

Concerns about who will live in a new residential care facility at Maryborough’s former St Stephen’s Hospital have been addressed by the developer.

It comes after a statement was made on a Maryborough based Facebook page, Mary Inc, that the former private hospital had been “chopped into 110 rooms for assisted living for persons with mental health issues”.

Mary Inc president Jacqui Elson-Green said concerns had been raised by parents of schoolchildren in the precinct as well as residents who were worried about safety issues in the inner city.

“As president of Mary Inc (formerly Proud Marys) I ask why no public statement has been issued by any councillor about what is a major development in the centre of Maryborough with alarming implications for the health and safety services in the city,” she said.

“The development was approved by council staff delegated to have that authority and permissible under the current Fraser Coast town plan.

“All councillors (including those re-elected at the last election with the exception of George Seymour) voted in favour of the plan that removed the necessity to advise the public of, or allow the public to object to, developments that fit into zoning definitions.

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“I have commented earlier that Mary Inc. has raised the St Stephen’s development as something that needs to be managed carefully so we do not add to the problems of confronting and dangerous behaviour we are now seeing in the inner city.

A unit inside the new care facility at the former St Stephen's Hospital in Maryborough.

“We have been advised by the council that it has no control over who lives there.

“That is a matter for the state government.

“It seems unfair that council staff (surely the councillors are aware of what is happening?) can approve chopping all the rooms in half (including the chapel) and making them assisted living, then leaving it to state to fix any problems with challenging behaviours.

“One mother, speaking on behalf of parents at the adjacent primary school, has commented that councillors are usually quick to let us know on Facebook when there is news like this.

“Can someone give us a reassurance that our children will not be exposed to irrational behaviours from people with mental health issues who could be housed there? And that rumours the rooms will be for released prisoners are not true?’

“Mary Inc shares her concerns.”

Developer Brad Hall refuted claims the facility would be a mental health institution and said the former hospital was currently being reborn as Maryborough Village.

Mr Hall, who has successfully opened residential care facilities in New South Wales and other parts of Queensland said it was a “very good project” that would provide housing for people who had disabilities and other care needs.

“We don’t do social housing, we do housing socially,” he said.

“Our residents range from elderly people, mobility problems, mild dementia and various other medical conditions.

“In addition we cater for people who can’t or don’t wish to live alone and benefit from being in a community environment. Many others represent those unfortunate people because of affordability and others disadvantaged by no fault of their own.

“You might not think this will happen to me but it can and then you will be highly appreciative that this accommodation exists”.

St Stephen's Private Hospital in Maryborough. Photo: Karleila Thomsen / Fraser Coast Chronicle

Mr Hall said he was conscious of the fact that there were schools and a daycare near the development and, as with all his projects, residents would be carefully vetted.

“Our residents are closely screened by our managers with years of experience for this type of accommodation. not all applicants will be approved, only those that meet our parameters,” Mr Hall said.

“Our residents by past experience become a community who enjoy excellent accommodation affordable rental and a place of safety.”

He said the location meant people with mobility challenges would have access to services in Maryborough.

There would be zero tolerance for drugs or anti-social behaviour and no guests were allowed to stay overnight, he said.

A unit inside the new care facility at the former St Stephen's Hospital in Maryborough.

A Fraser Coast Regional Council spokesman also addressed concerns about the facility.

“Council provided approval last month for a residential care facility to be developed at the old St Stephen’s Hospital site in John Street in Maryborough,” he said.

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“This means the site can be used for supervised accommodation and medical and other support services for people who cannot live independently and require nursing or personal care.

“With more than 10 per cent of the people living on the Fraser Coast needing help with their day-to-day lives due to disability, this new facility will provide an affordable and dignified accommodation option for some of the most disadvantaged in our society.

“For example, it could provide accommodation for the many young people with disabilities who have to live in aged care facilities or those with chronic illnesses.

“Council’s only role in the approval of the site is around the land use, and what can happen at the facility is similar to what could already happen under its previous use as a hospital.”