‘Veil of secrecy’ over plans for mental health centre near school, Polwarth MP Richard Riordan claims

A prominent mental health organisation has been accused of acting within a “veil of secrecy” over plans to build a treatment centre near a primary school. TAKE OUR POLL

Residents have raised concerns land in a new Torquay estate has been set aside for a residential mental health treatment centre.

The Geelong Advertiser understands the proposed centre would be operated by the Haven Foundation – a branch of Mind Australia.

The land, in Silvereye St, is within the new Stretton Estate development and opposite a primary school.

Liberal MP Richard Riordan has accused Mind Australia of operating within a “veil of secrecy”. Picture : David Geraghty / The Australian.

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

Mind Australia chief executive officer Gill Callister said it was “premature to comment or speculate on the future of any residential sites purchased by Mind”.

“Mind continues to work to increase our ability to provide help, hope and purpose to people who require significant mental health support,” Ms Callister said.

Polwarth MP and shadow housing minister Richard Riordan, who had also contacted the Haven Foundation, accused the organisation of operating within a “veil of secrecy”.

“Residents have trying since June to get an answer, it’s September and they can’t get any feedback,” Mr Riordan said.

He said residents weren’t “anti the need for mixed community housing” but were “very annoyed” about the suspected size and scale of project.

“We can’t have a veil of secrecy, the community needs to be properly informed,” he said.

“There needs to be some degree of consultation. To date, that’s missing.”

Correspondence between residents and the Haven Foundation, seen by the Addy, states: “Unfortunately The Haven Foundation Ltd are not the legal owners. If all goes well settlement will occur on 10th Aug. 2022.”

Mind Australisa chief executive Gill Callister said it was “premature” to speculate on future uses of the Torquay land by Mind Australia. Picture: David Geraghty

Developer Stuart Harding, from Stretton Torquay, said the organisation had been contacted by a concerned resident but was “not in a position to discuss the private dealings of a purchaser and a vendor”.

Ms Callister said Mind Australia supported about 11,000 Australians each year.

“We partner with health, community, and government organisations to provide holistic support and a safe environment for people experiencing mental health and wellbeing concerns to live in the community,” she said.

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

In a letter expected to be distributed to fellow residents this week, a Silvereye St property owner said he was “concerned” about plans for the site.

“In our opinion, the development of this estate does not lend its hand to this cohort, it lacks the supports and infrastructure, in addition to being positioned directly adjacent to Torquay Coast Primary School and the YMCA Early Learning Centre,” the resident, who declined to be named, said.

A letter to residents from Surf Coast Shire council states that because the land is zoned General Residential Zone 1, so no planning permit is required for use as a dwelling.

A state government spokeswoman said the land is not owned by the Victorian Government.

“Planning decisions in this instance would be a matter for the local council,” she said.

Originally published as ‘Veil of secrecy’ over plans for mental health centre near school, Polwarth MP Richard Riordan claims