Push to move supervised injection room away from school, homes

Frustrated residents in North Richmond hope a new campaign which centres on a powerful new image will convince the State Government to move the supervised injection away from a primary school.

The North Richmond Community Health centre. Picture Andrew Tauber

Families in North Richmond are launching a campaign to move the controversial supervised injection room from their neighbourhood.

They say the two-year injection trial, which operates out of the North Richmond Community Health building and next to the West Richmond Primary School is unsuitable for families and children.

Most residents in the group support the creation of an injection support centre and services for addicts but believe the densely populated neighbourhood is inappropriate.

Melbourne's only safe injection room is located at North Richmond Community Health building (left) next to Richmond West Primary School (right). Picture: Google Maps.

Since the injection room opened in June last year, families claim that street violence, property damage and neighbourhood unrest has soared. Most users are heroin addicts but people hooked on ice are also attracted to the drug honey-pot suburb.

The latest concerns come as:

— An extra security fence and entry gate has been installed at the primary school on Lennox St after complaints of addicts shooting up near the school entrance.

— New government figures show 1800 overdoses had been managed by the centre since its inception. And the average number of supervised injections has risen to 300 a day since the centre was expanded in July.

— Supporters of the injection room have demanded that the state government and Yarra council show more leadership on the issue to support residents and Victoria St businesses.

Richmond West Primary School is next to the injection service. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Letitia Wilkinson, spokeswoman for MRAC — the Medically Supervised Injection Room Residents’ Action Committee — said the group wanted the trial relocated to a more appropriate location.

“We believe no medically supervised injection room should ever be located next door to a primary school, community health centre with maternity health services and in a highly dense residential area due to physical and mental health concerns of those it surrounds,’’ Ms Wilkinson said.

As part of its campaign, the group is releasing a powerful new image that show the impact of the centre on children.

Image from the MRAC campaign to move the supervised injection room from North Richmond.

“MRAC believes the trial can continue but in a location away from highly vulnerable residents,’’ Ms Wilkinson.

Mental Health Services Minister Martin Foley said the medically supervised injecting room trial was keeping Victorians safe and saving lives.

The new, second fence that has been built outside the West Richmond Primary School.

Outside the West Richmond Primary School before the fence was built.

“And that’s exactly what the evidence shows it is doing.

“Drug use has been an issue the North Richmond community has grappled with for many years — its impact on the area isn’t new.

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“But we’re taking action to address this, opening a larger facility in July, increasing security and outreach support around the centre and increasing police patrols in the area.’’

Mr Foley did not comment on whether an alternative site or extra locations were being considered but the service location was guided by recommendations of experts and coroners.

The recently formed residents’ collective has also re-established the Estate Tenant Group for public housing residents. The previous group had been disbanded in 2009.

@IanRoyall