Geelong mental health projects struck by delays
The Geelong region’s first dedicated inpatient youth mental health service has been hit by major delays, and it’s not the only project meant to help struggling people that has been pushed back.
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The Geelong region’s first dedicated inpatient youth mental health service has been delayed, and it’s not the only project meant to help struggling people that’s suffered a setback.
A new $15m youth mental health facility, catering for people aged 16-25, is set to be built in South Geelong.
In 2021, the state government announced the 10-bed Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) centre for the city.
At the time, the government said it was expected to be completed by late 2023.
But Barwon Health has now confirmed the former renal services building, which is now used for storage, that sits at the site would be demolished later this year, and the new mental health facility is only set for completion in 2024.
Advocates have been raising the need for dedicated local youth mental health beds for years.
Another state government funded project, a new mental health hub on Moorabool St, was also delayed.
It was due to be completed late last year.
While construction is finished, it’s understood the fit-out is still ongoing.
The five-storey hub will be operated by Barwon Health.
It’s understood the project was affected by material supply issues and the pandemic.
Services are being provided out of at an interim location at Thompson St, North Geelong.
State Opposition mental health spokeswoman Emma Kealy said infrastructure projects were blowing out.
“When the government make a promise, you expect them to deliver,” she said.
Ms Kealy said the cost-of-living crisis was affecting people’s mental health.
“People are feeling more pressure and they don’t know where to turn,” she said.
A state government spokeswoman said: “To make way for the Geelong YPARC, the builder needs to successfully relocate the important equipment maintenance and storage facility currently used by Barwon Health Renal Services to ensure the continuation of this critical service.”
It’s understood the relocation of the storage facility is on track for completion this year following some delays in finding the right space for the facility and finalising the building’s design - to enable completion of YPARC in 2024.
Planning permit application documents for the YPARC site at 40 Little Fyans St have been lodged with the City of Greater Geelong.
“Given the urgent time frames for delivery associated with this project, we respectfully request council’s earliest possible processing of this planning permit application,” documents prepared by Urbis said.
According to the Victorian Health Building Authority, YPARC centres are voluntary, referral-based services.
“Young people can continue to attend work or school, while receiving the appropriate treatment, care and support they need in a safe, homelike environment,” the agency says.
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Originally published as Geelong mental health projects struck by delays
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