Social housing project too big for street, says residents

RESIDENTS of Wonthaggi’s Caledonian Crescent are concerned about the scale of a social housing project that would see 12 homes constructed. 

Mind Australia and The Haven Foundation revealed details of the project in June this year, with construction at 9 Caledonian Crescent expected to commence by December 31, 2023, and be completed in September 2024. 

The 12 one-bedroom, self-contained homes will cater for people living with significant mental health and wellbeing challenges in Wonthaggi, and will house up to 12 people.

The funding commitment had been announced by the Minister for Housing, Colin Brooks MP, as part of the government’s Big Housing Build.

The Sentinel-Times spoke with some of the street’s residents about the development, and while they are not opposed to social housing projects, they are distressed at the number of homes being built.

They highlighted the neighbourhood mainly consisted of young families and older residents, and are concerned how it will impact the street’s relaxing and friendly atmosphere.

“If it was three or four units, we wouldn’t be as concerned, but when they’re saying there is 12 units going on this tiny little block… I think there’s been no real transparency around what’s happening,” they said.

“We recognise it’s going to happen, but if could be done in a way that respects the neighbourhood and current residents.”

The residents highlighted many of them they only became aware of the development after the Sentinel-Times reported it.

“We also don’t know what sort of mental health issues these people (tenants) will have; are we putting our kids in danger by letting them play outside?” they said.

“It just changes the whole dynamic.

“We recognise the importance of placing people with mental illness in the community but creating a pocket of 12 people with significant mental illnesses… it should be more spread out.”

They were also worried about the impact it could have on their property values, as many residents bought during the peak of COVID when prices were high.

Haven response

The Sentinel-Times spoke with Mark Heeney, the Haven Foundation’s executive director of housing strategy, who acknowledged the residents concern explaining a letterbox drop was expected to take place last week which would detail key aspects of the organisation and project.

Mr Heeney also highlighted that himself and the organisation’s head of property will visit the street on August 4, to chat to residents.

“The people that live there will have qualified and experienced staff on site 24-hours a day,” he said.

“That’s a big part of the model where people are well enough to be able to live in the community with some support, and use their NDIS plan to be able to fund that support as well.

“We go through a really careful selection process to ensure people are able to live harmoniously with others as well.

“We do recognise there’s not a residence on the street which is similar, and this will change what the street looks like as well.”

Mr Heeney said after the government’s confirmation of funding, they will look to ensure residents have a better understanding of the Haven Foundation’s model and aims.

He explained that the location was chosen due to its proximity to the town’s centre and a nature reserve. 

“They have a tenancy agreement and pay nearly 30 per cent of their disability support pension in rent as well,” he said.

“There’s tenancy staff that will ensure that people are adhering to the requirements of a residential tenancy agreement as well.

“That ensures being a good tenant and neighbour as well.

“And when we’re close to the site being finished, we invite the neighbours close by to have a look and meet the staff and introduce the team leader and service manager on site to have a point of contact.”

The Haven Foundation supports participants aged between 18-64, with the typical age averaging around 40.

“Across our Haven residences, they generally have an even gender split,” Mark added.

“The most common factor is that they are NDIS participants and have a psychosocial disability.

“We do really vet applicants to ensure they will get along with each other and make sure they want to work on their recovery as well.”

Mr Heeney highlighted residents are usually on the Victorian Housing Register, but they will prioritise those in the Wonthaggi community.

Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale was also contacted by some of the Caledonian Crescent residents who invited her to a recent meeting.

“I want to thank local Caledonia Crescent residents for supporting our community members with long term mental health ill-health and their need for housing in a supported environment,” she said.

“Understandably, a few residents reached out wanting more information like the exact location, building and permit guidelines, number of units and local amenity. 

“I was unable to attend the street meeting on July 1, but had asked for any minutes or questions to be sent to me which I would pass on to Mind Australia which I had already been in touch with. 

“I have offered to both Mind Australia and local residents that I am happy to meet with them.

“Mind Australia and The Haven are highly regarded, respected and a leader in Mental Health service provision and support and this is a real positive.”

Haven residences feature one-bedroom self-contained homes with a main bedroom, built-in wardrobe, bathroom, kitchen and eating area, European laundry, lounge room and outdoor courtyard or balcony within a multi-unit property.

These developments will also feature shared indoor and outdoor community living and lounge areas, kitchen, meeting spaces and overnight facilities on-site for Mind Australia’s specialist mental health support staff.