The story was not public at that stage but moves were afoot within Greater Shepparton City Council to assess the facility for a necessary planning permit.A year ago, drug and alcohol recovery facility The Cottage was facing closure after just 10 months of operations.The story was not public at that stage but moves were afoot within Greater Shepparton City Council to assess the facility for a necessary planning permit.This was entirely appropriate, the council had no choice but to enforce planning laws.And yet it can be reasonably argued that if The Cottage had sought such a permit — as with prior attempts at Mooroopna and Numurkah — the facility would never have become operational.1m 33s
The Cottage management has stated it misread the rules and acted in good faith, believing they could operate under a planning exception.We take them at their word.We also acknowledge the arguments of those opposed to the facility that because a planning permit was never sought, opponents were denied their legal right to make objections.2m 45s
Thus began a long debate which was finally settled when VCAT ruled in January The Cottage should be granted a permit to operate under strict conditions.We believe this was the better of the possible outcomes.Nobody argued the region did not need such a facility, only where it should be located.Yesterday’s grant of substantial funds by Damian Drum on behalf of the Federal Government is a good outcome for all concerned.The funding, and the acknowledgement it brings by the government, will ensure that Cottage management is able to financially comply with the strict VCAT conditions.Opponents, especially those who live in proximity of The Cottage, should be reassured that three government institutions, the City of Greater Shepparton, VCAT and now the Federal Department of Health, have all assessed and approved the facility.Because of the planning permit, the council will continue to monitor The Cottage, as no doubt will the Federal Government now it has contributed substantial funds.While Greater Shepparton did not arrive at having an approved and now government part-funded drug and alcohol recovery centre by the ideal route, we are glad we eventually got to this position and believe it will benefit our community.
