Penola House streetview from Penguin road.
Camera IconPenola House streetview from Penguin road. Credit: Supplied/Vanessa Schmitt

Proposed Shoalwater homeless shelter recommended for City of Rockingham approval

Vanessa SchmittWeekend Kwinana Courier

THE City of Rockingham is expected to consider an application for a homeless shelter in Shoalwater at Tuesday night’s meeting.

An officer has recommended the homeless shelter for 31 men at Lot 28 Penguin Road be approved.

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Camera IconImage Credit: Supplied/Supplied
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The recommendation for approval was discussed at a planning and engineering services committee meeting on Monday night.

An alternative recommendation to trial the homeless shelter for 12-months and review the outcome is also expected to be considered by council.

In May last year, St Patrick’s Community Support Centre made an application for Penola House to provide accommodation for single males at risk of homelessness. The application was to provide a range of support services for the men, including housing, health, welfare and emergency relief activities, education and training.

The street view of Penola House from Arcadia Drive.
Camera IconThe street view of Penola House from Arcadia Drive. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

The City of Rockingham received 216 submission, with 177 submissions objecting to the proposal. A petition with 181 signatures objecting to the proposal was also submitted.

Submissions supporting the shelter said it was a positive initiative, the community had a responsibility to accommodate the disadvantaged and homeless, and St Patrick’s had the capacity to manage the facility.

An aerial view of Penola House.
Camera IconAn aerial view of Penola House. Credit: Supplied/Vanessa Schmitt

Submissions objecting to the proposal raised concerns about anti-social behaviour such as alcohol and substance abuse, loitering, trespass, theft and crime. Residents were concerned about the safety and security of people living in the surrounding community.

The applicant’s response to residents’ concerns was that people living at the shelter would be assessed.

The eligibility criteria is that people with issues such as alcohol or drug abuse, poor mental health or other reasons that prevent them from living independently would not be permitted and would be referred to appropriate service for assistance.