It is not even 12 months ago that Council received over 700 objections from the Shepparton community with regard to developing a multi-story social housing building on the car parks of Nixon and Maude Streets. Council is now considering a social housing development on the High and Rowe Street car parks. It is good Council is following procedure and is seeking community feedback regarding the affordable social housing proposal.
I object to this proposal for the following reasons.
- A multi-story residential building will not enhance the CBD. A high-density build is a short-term fix which could lead to long term problems as experienced in the North of Shepparton over 20 years ago.
- This site would become a concrete jungle being located at the rear of several businesses including Coles / K-Mart
- By selling, leasing or gifting the fore-mentioned land for social housing it will compromise future potential/opportunity for the site.
- The social housing building would restrict parking in the CBD. By 2030 the Council predicts that Shepparton city’s population will grow to 80,000 people. Where will people park then?
What about the use of green spaces?
I believe it is our duty as a society to support those who are less fortunate than ourselves. We need to provide appropriate housing that will offer a better lifestyle for those in need and at the same time also consider what is best for Shepparton.
I encourage community members to go to the Greater Shepparton City Council website before March 17th and Have Your Say in Shaping Greater Shepparton.
Roslyn Knaggs,
Shepparton
