Future of brothel proposal in hands of planning panel

A representative of a Macarthur region brothel operator says a sex service facility in Leumeah is necessary as there is a “need in the area for a place for people to go and pay for sex”.

A representative of a Macarthur region brothel operator said there was a need for another sex service facility in the area.

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A high demand for sex workers in the Macarthur region is a major factor behind a proposed brothel for the heart of Leumeah.

The current operator of two brothels at Campbelltown and Narellan lodged plans in 2016 for a third facility, located at a Grange Rd, Leumeah, industrial unit.

The proposed bordello triggered widespread scrutiny due to its location near a future childcare centre with more than a dozen objections, as well as a 109 signature petition, sent to Campbelltown Council.

The proposed brothel would be located about 150m from a future childcare centre at 6 Grange Rd.

A representative of the brothel operator yesterday told the Campbelltown Local Planning Panel, the determining authority of the proposed development, the business would “add to the growth and diversity of the local economy”.

“The applicant operates two brothel businesses in Campbelltown and Narellan, both with a good reputation that do not support drugs, crime or bikie gang activities. This can be supported by local police,” she said.

“To not allow sex service sites will create yet more problems within uncontrolled or illegal brothels, to the detriment of sex workers and the local community.

“Councils have a responsibility to support and service the business and social needs of their communities, which includes enabling a safe environment for a sex service industry.”

When asked about the number of visitors expected to frequent the brothel, the representative said possibly 20.

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“(The operator) has such a need for more workers allowed at each place that he is required to open another business so he can move clientele to another site,” she said.

“(This is) showing there is a need in the area for a place for people to go and pay for sex.”

The representative said the applicant would pay for security improvements, adapt hours to suit neighbouring businesses and have no signage on the unit.

Resident Judith Bond told the panel a brothel “was not in the public interest”.

“A brothel degrades women,” she said. “It devalues the area. There will be more theft, more break-ins. It will bring undesirables.”

A decision on the brothel is expected to be published online by the Campbelltown Local Planning Panel in the next 24 hours.

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