The Allan Labor Government must urgently provide a clear plan and timeline for the abandoned Sandhurst Centre in Bendigo amid increasing antisocial behaviour at the Finn Street site.
The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad raised the matter in Parliament saying the site had sat empty for 10 years, while increasingly bad behaviour had led to repeated fires being lit on the grounds.
“Local residents are seriously concerned about what is happening,” Ms Broad said.
“These fires are a dangerous safety issue and also waste the resources of our emergency services.”
Originally the Sandhurst Boys’ Home, the centre was established in 1956 to cater for adolescent boys with intellectual disabilities. It was managed by the then Department of Health and closed in 2016, when 29 residents were moved to purpose-built residential homes.
“The property has sat idle and deteriorating for 10 years since then. The buildings are now dilapidated, vandalised and covered in graffiti.
“Police have been called to investigate drug deals at the site, and I understand squatters have been in the buildings.”
Ms Broad first raised concerns about the site in Parliament two years ago. In August last year she received a letter from the Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts which said:
‘I acknowledge the concerns about the site. I am advised that the Department of Transport and Planning, DTP, is working with stakeholders towards selling or developing this site as soon as practical, so that it can make a positive contribution to the community of Bendigo and White Hills. In the meantime, DTP will consult with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing on the current condition of the site, the community’s concerns and whether removal of the building is a feasible solution to address the concerns.’
Ms Broad urged the minister to provide further clarity on these commitments and to urgently take action to remove the dilapidated buildings,
“This would help reduce antisocial behaviour at the site and address some of the concerns raised by local residents.
“The Finn Street site is a sizeable piece of land that is centrally located. It could be sold to help reduce the state’s massive debt and developed for much-needed housing close to Bendigo. Local residents have been left in limbo for a decade, and I urge the minister to provide a clear action plan as a matter of urgency,” Ms Broad said.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
