Location of farm rehab near Settlers in Myalup questioned

A farm rehab proposed in Myalup for people in the criminal justice system has attracted a mixed response from the community — with the Harvey Shire council calling for a “more suitable location”. Local government, an adjacent business and residents have all chimed in to the debate. The Department of Planning Lands and Heritage received a proposal from the Foundation for Indigenous Sustainable Health. The organisation aims to mentor and heal Aboriginal youth who have fallen on the wrong side of the law. If the proposed site is approved, it would sit in co-location with Settlers Roadhouse in Myalup (southbound on Forrest Highway) and would be transformed into a camp featuring accommodation for program participants and tourism opportunities such as a cafe. The Reporter understands Settlers Roadhouse in Myalup, which is owned by Chevron, has no issue with the camp being placed adjacent to its popular pit-stop. A Chevron official said the company was not opposed to the new development idea. However, residents aired their concerns online, with some seemingly concerned with the location. “Great idea but I don’t want it on my doorstep,” one resident said. Others were disappointed with the lack of communication and consultation from the applicants. Harvey Shire president Paul Gillett said although there were “great benefits to this prototype model for reintegration and training, there are more suitable locations”. “The State Government has introduced a temporary decision-making authority for significant projects in Western Australia as part of the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan,” Cr Gillett said. “It is disappointing that the Significant Projects assessment process has only due regard for the local planning framework, and that it has the ability to determine applications that would not be able to be approved by council under existing planning regulations. Cr Gillett said it was important for the community to have a say. “It is disappointing that there hasn't been strong community engagement surrounding the proposal,” he said. “It is important that the community is made aware of this and has the opportunity to have their say.” Other residents were very supportive of more rehabilitation facilities being built to help those in need. The community has until tomorrow to comment on the proposal. People can visit the Department of Planning Lands and Heritage website to submit feedback.