Perth Voice Interactive

A 24-HOUR drug crisis centre planned for Stuart Street opposite Robertson Park has attracted a wave of objections over safety and amenity.

Not-for-profit drug and alcohol treatment provider Cyrenian House has applied to open an “Immediate Drug Assistance Coordination Centre” at 37-43 Stuart Street, part of a WA government initiative funded by the Mental Health Commission.

The IDACC would provide assistance for people and their families affected by alcohol and drugs, with two vans sending staff out to outreach locations across the city and transporting people back to the centre for treatment or short-term crisis accommodation, or to take them off-site to a sobering-up service.

They’ve set a guideline for a stay time of “up to 72 hours” for the service’s 10 short-term crisis beds, but noted that timeframe may stretch longer if they can’t safely discharge someone.

When the plans were advertised mid-year they attracted 178 submissions, with 148 of those opposed. 

A revised plan did not mollify objectors when it was advertised via email to the original submitters in September, with 17 submissions and 16 of those in favour.

Cyrenian House’s application says it’s heard the objections and will have two security guards on site 24/7 and regularly patrolling the perimeter. 

Nearby residents have prepared a group presentation urging the Joint Development Assessment Panel to reject the plans.

They raised “concerns for personal security”, and say their experience with similar centres nearby shows management plans don’t always stamp out bad behaviour.

The residents’ presentation points out they have four “community/social facilities” already in that area, including Palmerston House, Homeless Healthcare, and Mission Australia Youthbeat all on Palmerston Street, and “community housing” across the road on Fitzgerald Street.

“We feel we have our fair share of community facilities already,” their presentation states.

The JDAP, featuring two Vincent councillors and three state government appointed members, votes at their November 10 meeting.

Vincent council planners have recommended voting for refusal, based in part on it being incompatible with the surrounding residential area: “The scale and intensity of the use would result in off-site amenity impacts related to the 24 hour walk-in nature of the premises.”

Last year Perth council objected to a homeless support centre opening on James Street in Northbridge. 

The decision was overturned by the state’s then-planning minister Rita Saffioti. The centre is now operating, and has attracted complaints from neighbours alleging the management plan isn’t being adhered to.

by DAVID BELL