More than 728 rejections over proposal to build an Aboriginal group home on the NSW Central Coast
The $1.6million proposal to Central Coast Council plans to transform what was formerly Lakes Anglican School site at Summerland Point - a Central Coast lakeside hamlet
The seven-bedroom property on a 2.63hectare site would become a group home for up to 15 permanent and or transitional residents.
An Aboriginal group home is a type of housing that provides culturally safe and affordable accommodation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, often those who need to be away from their home communities to access services or opportunities.
These homes are designed to be a "home away from home," offering support and a sense of community for individuals and families.
The plan suggests building six relocatable buildings which would provide eight extra bedrooms, as well as repurposing a four-bedroom building into an office space.
Under the lodged application, builders would tear down two sheds, four historic classrooms and a basketball court.
There have been at least 728 written objections since the development application was published on May 9.
The key issue cited by many of the submissions is that the area is not suitable for the home.
Reasons included there not being sufficient emergency services, which are at least 20 minutes away, to response to hypothetical incidents.
They also said there was not enough public transport and only 'one road in and out' of the suburb.
Some also unleashed on what they believed was poor transparency with residents about the planning.
'The lack of communication to neighbours and local residents is also a big red flag by trying to keep it very low key,' one person said.
'This area is full of young families and elderly residents, with both being at risk if the refuge residents do not follow the necessary requirements or standards expected of them.'
Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health Services, which is operated by the property owner Yerin Aboriginal Health Services, has been contacted for comment.
Yerin is understood to have bought the site in July 2023 for $3.9million.
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