Dubbo Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre: Spears Dr residents set up action group to fight Dubbo Regional Council

Residents in the state’s west have threatened to fight the state government over the proposed rehabilitation centre site. See their concerns here.

Residents have fired a warning shot at a NSW council over plans for a controversial rehabilitation centre – threatening court against the state government if the proposal goes ahead.

Spears Dr residents in Dubbo have established the Rosewood Grove Action Group and rallied on Friday to “fight the controversial” location of the facility, saying they will proceed to take legal action against the state government in the Land and Environment Court of NSW.

Committee member Rebecca Davey ensures the residents are in “strong support” of the facility, however the rehab centre is argued to “change the character of the neighbourhood”.

Rosewood Grove Action Group committee member Rebecca Davey in Spears Dr, Dubbo.

Ms Davey announced the group will challenge any approval of the project within existing grounds, to provide a social impact assessment report, if necessary, to obtain legal and strategic support and become an incorporated association.

She stated Dubbo Regional Council withdrew “suitable land” at North Bunglegumbie in 2022 as the land will be developed into a residential area.

“We will fight this development if it is sent to the Western Regional Planning Panel for approval,” she urged.

“We note that Dubbo Regional Council has formally resolved to oppose the project and we expect our councillors will that opposition.”

In last month’s council meeting, council discussed their unanimous objections to the proposed location and committed to work with relevant departments to identify a more suitable location.

Spears Dr residents in unison over controversial rehab facility in Dubbo.

However, councillors voted six to four, calling for a report from council’s chief executive Murray Wood to explore the possible provision of council land, including Bunglegumbie Rd, for the rehab facility.

“Like all residents of Dubbo, we want this project completed quickly and properly, in a suitable location,” she said.

“The only way this can happen is if a new site is selected – continuing with this site at Spears Dr will lead to years of delay and cost blowouts.”

Spears Dr resident Rebecca Miller expressed her outrage with the lack of consultation saying she was only notified of the proposed development the day of the announcement.

“What we need to focus on is the clients of the rehab centre, they need the best opportunity to heal and get privacy,” Ms Miller said.

“They are not going to get the privacy here – we can see who is coming and who is going.

“I personally know of three people who have already said that if the facility is built in Spears Dr, they will not use it … they’re locals, they don’t want everyone to know their business.”