The former St. Lawrence home is being opened up to recovering alcohol and drug addicts.
After the Council meeting held last Wednesday evening, Galong is set to become home to a ‘transitional group home’, after all but one Councillor voted to approve the Development Application.
Work will now proceed on converting the former St Lawrence Home, into a facility that will house up to 20 recovering drug and alcohol addicts.
As the Development Application received more than four valid submissions during the public exhibition period, it had to be presented to Council for determination.
Council’s report states a number of issues were raised by the community, including crime prevention, impacts on traffic in the village, a possible reduction in community cohesiveness, and the lack of employment opportunities for Galong residents.
NSW Police rejected any concerns regarding crime, while Council Staff advised that there would be a positive economic impact felt by Galong.
Councillor Stadtmiller was the only member of Council who voted against the DA.
“I didn’t believe [the facility] fit in with the social amenity of the area, and am concerned Galong lacks the infrastructure to support such a facility,” Councillor Stadtmiller said.
“The report raised a number of question into the safety of Galong residents should the facility be created.”
The successful DA follows a prior proposal for the nursing home that would’ve seen ‘lost men’ housed in the building. That application was overcome by local opposition.
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