The State Government must explain why the site of Bendigo’s former Sandhurst Centre has gone to waste for eight years, the Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has told Parliament.
Ms Broad said the Finn Street site had fallen into a state of terrible disrepair and locals were very concerned.
“A local resident wrote to me saying: ‘The place is covered in graffiti and significantly vandalised. We have had to call the police several times about drug deals occurring there’.”
Originally the Sandhurst Boys’ Home, the centre was established in 1956 to cater for adolescent boys with intellectual disabilities. It was managed by the Department of Health and closed in 2016 when the 29 residents were moved to purpose-built residential homes.
Ms Broad said the property had sat idle 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.
“Local residents feel unsafe, and the government needs to take action to address this dangerous and wasteful situation.”
Ms Broad said locals had suggested the site could be rehabilitated for social housing.
“Alternatively, the Government could sell the land to help pay off its massive debt,” Ms Broad said.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
