THE Fresh Start Recovery Program will relocate to Springhill after a motion was successfully passed at the Shire of Northam council meeting last Wednesday.
There has been a change of land use to allow for a rehabilitation, education and accommodation facility.
A main concern raised by members of the gallery included a potential fire hazard at the Spencer’s Brook site, the presence of sulphur and unexploded ordinates.
The rise of methylamphetamine, also known as ice, was also raised as a potential issue.
Councillor Denis Beresford said he thought fears surrounding the clinic would prove to be unfounded, citing about 15 years passing at the current 27 Gairdner Street site without incident.
Cr Terry Little also was in support.
“I live in Wundowie and there were worries with Wooroloo Prison, Acacia Prison and more recently Yongah Hill,”Cr Little said.
“I understand the concerns but I will be voting for it.”
Cr Des Hughes agreed by stating nothing serious had ever happened with those facilities despite initial public apprehension.
Cr Rob Tinetti was thinking along the same lines.
“When Fresh Start first came to Northam there was the Town Hall meeting with people saying kids would be stepping on syringes,” Cr Tinetti said.
“I was one of the sceptics but I have been won over.”
The Springhill site will accommodate up to 20 staff and up to 96 patients at any one time.
The site at Springhill is 34.46 hectares and would allow patients more space to undertake physical and farm based activities such as workshops, gardening and sports activities as part of their rehabilitation process.
A clause was added into the motion for a community reference group to be formed for the people of Spencer’s Brook to be engaged with the goings-on of Fresh Start upon their move into Springhill.
Shire president Steven Pollard said the fact Fresh Start had a history in Northam helped sway his opinion.
“Had it been a brand new crew that may have been different,” Cr Pollard said.
“I was comfortable with the notion this is a voluntary situation and people are not forced to attend.”
The council meeting also served as a farewell to councillors Kathy Saunders and Bert Llewellyn who will not stand in the upcoming postal election.
Cr Saunders had been on council for eight years, and Cr Llewellyn for a remarkable 46 years.
Cr Saunders presented a centenary sketch of the Southern Brook Hall to councillors in recognition of their service to the community.
