Brighton East homeless shelter plan stuns locals fearing suburb of ‘junkies and ex-criminals’

EXCLUSIVE: A PRIME piece of Brighton East real estate has been ­commandeered to become a homeless shelter, stunning locals who fear their suburb will become full of “junkies and ex-criminals”.

A PRIME piece of Brighton East real estate has been ­commandeered to become a shelter for the homeless.

The state government’s move has stunned ­locals, who claim the plan will turn their affluent bayside suburb into a halfway house full of “junkies and ex-criminals”.

The $3.7 million dollar Brighton East site — opposite a golf course and just 1km from schools — will host five “trailer park”-style homes.

A real estate agent said the plan could devalue neighbouring properties, adding: “Homes in the direct vicinity of public housing sell for less.”

Locals have been told their new neighbours will need 24/7 supervision. But the government on Thursday night said a dedicated worker would be on site to give around-the-clock “support”.

Brighton East residents Mr Wu and Russell McDonald are not happy with the proposal. Picture: David Caird

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Vacant land at 226-228 South Rd has been selected as part of the government’s “Towards Home” program. Other suburbs chosen include ­Preston and Reservoir.

Five one-bedroom self-contained units will be built at the Brighton East site, providing temporary housing for rough sleepers. But locals fear an influx of “ex-criminals” and “drug and alcohol addicts”.

Russell McDonald said he was left to inform his neighbours after the Department of Health and Human Services alerted just six nearby homes by mail drop on Wednesday.

“Only six of us got this letter so I photocopied it and handed it out to my neighbours,” he said. “There has been a complete lack of transparency and honesty by the Andrews Government. I can only assume it was to limit backlash or response to the proposal.”

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Russell McDonald says he and his neighbours fear for their families’ safety. Picture: David Caird

Mr McDonald said the neighbourhood feared for their families’ safety.

“I live opposite two public housing homes now and fully support it but this development is very different,” he said.

“Why do these people need 24 hour, seven days a week supervision? What kind of people are moving in? Why don’t they make it home to single mothers fleeing violence or families seeking refuge?

“I have five grandkids who play outside ... if this plan goes ahead I won’t be allowing them out to play near drug or ­alcohol-affected people.”

Local Gary Doyle said he was kept “in the dark”.

“We aren’t against those who need refuge, but we’ve had no communication from the government which makes me wonder what are they are trying to hide,” he said.

“Residents and their families safety needs to be a priority over anything else.”

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Residents claim these ATCO buildings will be built on the land.

Macca’s view

Housing Minister Martin Foley said the state government made “no apology for a record investment towards housing and homelessness, giving people an opportunity to get back on their feet”.

“Victoria has experienced unprecedented levels of housing stress and homelessness — the path forward to end this crisis is to provide homes in both affluent and working-class communities,” he said.

“The Towards Home program works with leading service providers to support Victorians with a house and targeted support to get back on their feet.”

Bayside mayor Alex del Porto said the council urged the government to engage with residents in a “clear and meaningful way” to keep them informed about the program.

Salvation Army Major Brendan Nottle said the self-contained units would help to get rough sleepers back on their feet.

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