Plans for Torquay Haven Foundation mental health facility opposite school

A 12-unit residential mental health facility will be built in a new Torquay estate, opposite a primary school, with construction expected to take a year.

Plans for a 12-unit residential facility have caused concern in Torquay.

A 12-unit residential mental health facility will be built in a new Torquay estate, opposite a primary school.

The centre will be built at 26 Silvereye St, near Torquay YMCA Early Learning Centre and Torquay Coast Primary School, with construction expected to take 12 months.

Residents recently received a letter from joint operators Mind Australia and Haven Foundation informing them of the project.

It comes after Mind Australia said it was “premature to comment or speculate on the future of any residential sites” when asked about the site in August 2022.

The foundation operates a 16-bed Highton facility that opened in 2019 despite resistance from neighbours.

“Haven Torquay will be a 12-unit residence that will support people from the local area who have long-term mental health and wellbeing concerns to live independently in the community,”

Haven Foundation’s executive director Mark Heeney said in a letter.

The land on Silvereye St Torquay earmarked for a Haven Foundation development that neighbours Torquay Coast Primary School. Picture: Alison Wynd

“It is funded by Homes Victoria as part of the $5.3bn Big Housing Build.

“Residents will receive 24/7 support from qualified and experienced community mental health practitioners from Mind Australia, one of the largest providers of community-managed psychosocial services in Australia.”

A fact sheet, also provided to residents, said staff would be on-site “24 hours, seven days a week, to support residents”.

Haven Foundation said its properties were granted exemption to the usual local government planning application process under Victorian planning laws for projects developing community care accommodation.

Plans for the proposed Corio facility.

Resident Adam Reardon accused of Haven Foundation of “shroud(ing) themselves in secrecy” and failing to communicate.

“The secrecy around this development has kept the community in the dark. It has prevented us from making informed decisions,” he said.

“As a young family we would not have built our family home in the Stretton Estate had we been made aware of this facility.”

Polwarth MP and shadow housing minister Richard Riordan raised concerns about community consultation and transparency surrounding the project.

“I have concerns about the transparency of this project and the deal that’s been done behind closed doors without the knowledge of the community,” he said.

“It’s becoming apparent that people have purchased in that area under very clear development guidelines …. if this project has been on the cards for quite a long time the question is was there an obligation (to disclose this)?”

Mr Riordan, who was due to meet with concerned residents on Tuesday night, acknowledged a need for mental health accommodation, but questioned whether the estate was the right location.

“I have expressed my very, very profound disappointment with Haven … I had an emergency meeting with them (on Monday) I made it very clear that I don’t call consultation or discussion with the community telling them once it’s fait accompli,” he said.

It is not yet known when construction will start, or when the building will be complete.

Haven Foundation also has plans to build a 14-unit complex at Plantation Rd, Corio. That facility is expected to be open by mid-2024.

Originally published as Plans for Torquay Haven Foundation mental health facility opposite school