Plug pulled on new Goodna drug and alcohol facility

“Goodna already has a bad name”: Residents against a controversial rehab facility say they are pleased the plans will no longer go ahead, while services strive to cater for those in need.

Plans for a state government residential rehabilitation and withdraw service in Goodna have been cancelled.

The Queensland Health facility was part of an effort to address a lack of support services for addiction sufferers, however it will now be located elsewhere in Ipswich.

Proposed Goodna site now canned. Picture: Contributed

The voluntary adult facility at 90 Church Street, Goodna was planned to have 35 beds for residential rehabilitation and 10 beds for residential withdrawal management.

A Queensland Health spokeswoman said the department would not be moving forward with the purchase of the property because it had been deemed “unsuitable for the intended services”, following a formal assessment.

“We remain committed to identifying a suitable location for the new alcohol and other drug residential treatment service within the Ipswich area,” she said.

Nearby residents and business owners expressed concern over the type of facility proposed at the site, and also said the parcel of land was being considered as potential koala habitat.

Ipswich residents are having to travel outside the region to access vital health support for drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Picture: Contributed

Blackhall Plumbing and Drainage Service owner Peter Blackhall said his home and business would have been a short walk from the rehab centre and he strongly opposed development.

“A lot of us were opposed to it, we all went to a meeting and said as much,” he said.

The local business owner said he and nearby residents were worried about the ‘type’ of people the facility would attract to the neighbourhood.

“Goodna already has a bad name, we don’t need this here, they wouldn’t try to build it somewhere else like Augustine Heights,” he said.

Goodna Street Life president Helen Youngberry said she supported the facility to be built in Goodna and it was unfortunate but common for people to think in terms of black and white when it comes to addiction.

Helen Youngberry (second left) started up the organisation Goodna Street Life Helping Hands Centre Inc, to ensure everyone has a warm and secure place to rest their head at night. Picture: Inga Williams

“Unfortunately there will always be back lash when drugs are involved,” she said.

“People don’t understand and they only have one perspective on it.

“We have a drug rehab program, we live in Goodna ourselves, and have done for the past four years and have had no problem with the community.”

The Queensland Health spokeswoman said the Ipswich region, along with many Queensland communities, were experiencing an increase in demand for specialist alcohol and drug treatment.

“Currently, people have to travel to services outside the Ipswich region and risk losing family support, which is a critical component for long-term rehabilitation,” she said.

“That is why the West Moreton community will benefit from a new, purpose-built alcohol and other drug residential treatment service.

“The service will provide better access to specialist treatment closer to home, leading to improved outcomes for people seeking treatment and their loved ones.”

Once a new location is determined and the facility is built, the service will be operated by a non-government provider which will work in partnership with other services in the region to deliver improved health outcomes for residents.