Ipswich residents had their say at an information forum earlier this week for a proposed state government residential rehabilitation and withdrawal service in Raceview.
The Queensland Health facility, which is part of an effort to address a lack of support services for addiction sufferers, was previously meant to be located in Goonda, at 90 Church Street.
Last year Queensland Health said the department would not be moving forward with the purchase of the property because it had been deemed “unsuitable for the intended services” following a formal assessment.
At the time, nearby residents and business owners expressed concern over the type of facility. proposed and that the parcel of land was being considered potential koala habitat.
According to an invitation to community members for the forum on 2 May, the new proposed location is at 47-57 Wildey Street, Raceview.
The facility will include accommodation for 35 adult individuals as part of the rehabilitation program, a 10-bed withdrawal unit, an administrative building with a reception for clients and visitors, office space and overnight accomodation for staff, car parking for approximately 30 cars and an area for ambulance access, a treatment program area for rehabilitation clients and kitchen, dining and laundry facilities.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding told Ipswich News Today that addiction was a prevalent problem in most cities and acknowledged the steps the Queensland Government was making to address the challenge in Ipswich by making treatment more accessible to residents.
“I have had the opportunity to attend the community sessions in Goodna and now in Raceview, and will continue to follow this project closely,” she said.
“A centre of this kind needs to be appropriately located near good public transport links, supporting services and where the greatest need in our community exists in order to be a success.
“I look forward to learning more about this project as community consultation continues, and encourage the people of Ipswich to have their say on the best location for this important service.”
Ipswich residents are encouraged to provide comments about the proposed development by emailing [email protected] by 11 May.
Article source: ipswichnewstoday.com.au