Media Release Thursday 9th June 2017: Meander Area Residents and Ratepayers Association Inc. (MARRA)

Bodhi Mc Sweeney, President of the Meander Area and Ratepayers Association Inc. (MARRA) today announced that an Appeal to the Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal against the Meander Valley Council’s decision to approve a Planning Permit for Teen Challenge Tasmania’s version of a drug rehabilitation facility, has been upheld.

The decision was upheld on jurisdictional grounds:

1) Meander Valley Council incorrectly categorised the application as being for ‘Hospital Services’ use under the Planning Scheme.

2) The notice given by the Council advertising the development application did not accurately specify the content of the development application.

Ms McSweeney said that it was very pleasing that the appeal had been upheld. “MARRA feels vindicated and heartened by the decision, and it helps justify our position. We are a community group which has made an enormous commitment to both lodge an appeal and fundraise to secure this outcome.”

“No community group should be required to take such drastic measures. The whole process has cost time, money and extreme personal anxiety for Meander residents.”

“We were let down by the gross lack of due process on the part of both the Meander Valley Council and the state Education Department.”

“The proponents had previously looked at alternative sites, and had they entered into credible consultation they may have realized Meander was not their best choice.”

“The fact is the main street in the middle of a small country village is a totally unsuitable location for any drug rehabilitation facility, let alone one run by medically unqualified staff. The school site should be used to benefit the Meander community itself, both socially and economically.

“The overwhelming majority of Meander residents are opposed to the use of our school as a drug rehabilitation centre. We are calling on the Teen Challenge Tasmania to recognise that Meander Primary School is not the right place for their activities and if they wish to continue, then to find and develop their own site in an appropriate location.” Said Ms McSweeney.
Karen Hillman Secretary, MARRA Inc.