The saga of McBride

I SHARE with many residents of Wonthaggi, the frustration with the ongoing Saga of McBride Campus, Bass Coast College. Or should that be non-saga as sagas usually have plenty of action while this particular issue seems to be notable for its distinct lack of action. 

Let’s imagine what could fit on this large site.

A part could be affordable and public housing suitable for the elderly to the very young. Units of easy access for the less able, HMOs (House of multiple occupation – separate ensuite rooms with shared kitchen/living) and larger units for families, with some emergency accommodation and even units for some of the 50+ homeless teens currently in Wonthaggi. Long/short term accommodation to help with the housing shortage for essential workers including seasonal and new workers on job probation to help boost our economy. Add shared open space, a community garden, thoughtful architecture and as most residents will not need a car, being so close to the CBD; there could be shared EV transport.

Ok now let’s think bigger! 

Wonthaggi needs a cultural hub to fit its status as the regional centre.

Here we could have a gallery, with an easily accessible, small office facilities, a drop-in youth hub, a café to provide training for vulnerable youth, with a centre for activities to foster new social connections between residents. There could be a craft hub to sell craft items and produce from local gardens. 

Other towns have done many of these but what could make this site unique would be the bringing together in one interconnected place all the activities as well as provide much needed homes in a specific, low energy, sustainable designed site. It could be a community project drawing on expertise from our whole community. It would mean when you said you were from Wonthaggi they didn’t say

“Where?” but “Oh there, how lucky you are!” 

Glenda Minty, Candidate for Western Port Ward