Minister for Planning Richard Wynne has approved planning changes which allow an aged-care facility in Eltham to house 120 refugees.
St Vincent’s Care Services will accommodate the newly-arrived refugees from Syria and Iraq, who are mainly women and children.
Mr Wynne fast-tracked the planning approval so people can be housed in the unused and refurbished Rundle House in the coming weeks.
This approval will be in place for two years and there will be no displacement of existing tenants.
Planning approval was needed for the site as it came under a floodway zone, however the building has been in place for many years and Melbourne Water had no objections to the change.
Already, Victoria expects to settle up to 4000 Syrian and Iraqi refugees as part of the Federal Government’s move to allow another 12,000 refugees into Australia.
The Andrews Labor Government’s support for refugees means new residents have access to Victoria’s first-class health and education systems through specialised programs, counselling, educational support and language services.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“St Vincent’s Care Services are one of many community groups working to accommodate refugees and we appreciate their efforts to help these vulnerable people.”
“We’re making sure that people who have fled war-torn countries have access to the services they need to settle in Victoria, because we have a responsibility to help people in desperate need of a safe and peaceful home.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eltham Vicki Ward
“Eltham community groups are ready and waiting to welcome refugees and we look forward to their arrival.”
“The broad support for refugees to come to Eltham will go a long way to helping people escaping horrendous conditions settle in to their new homes.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020