A $33 million alcohol and other drugs (AOD) residential treatment centre in Ipswich has triggered strong community and political opposition.
Critics have slammed the State Government’s choice of location despite assurances it will deliver vital support for people battling addiction.
The facility, which is expected to open later this year, will offer 36 residential rehabilitation beds and a 10-bed withdrawal unit, making it the first live-in service of its kind for the West Moreton region.
While health leaders have hailed the project as a critical step in addressing substance use, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding and local residents have once again voiced concerns about its placement on Wildey St in Raceview – a quiet residential area they say is ill-suited for a 24/7 rehabilitation facility.
“Addiction is a prevalent problem in most cities, and there is certainly a need for specialised services such as this one,” Mayor Harding said.
“However, Raceview was the third choice of location after community and business pushback on two other sites.
“My ask of the previous Queensland Government was to locate this facility based on evidence of need – and to ensure that community consultation was meaningful.
“Council and the community agreed that a residential street was not the right location for a rehabilitation facility, but the State Government pushed it through using a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation, bypassing Council’s planning approvals.”
Residents have been vocal in their opposition, with concerns over safety, traffic, and property values.
“This is a family street where kids ride their bikes, and now we’re going to have people coming and going at all hours,” said resident Carolyn Latter.
“We’re not against helping people, but this is the wrong place for this kind of facility.”
Another resident, backed those concerns.
“There’s a real fear in the community that anti-social behaviour could rise once the centre opens,” they said.
Queensland Health has rejected claims of poor planning, insisting that Wildey St was chosen only after a rigorous evaluation of more than 100 potential sites across 33 suburbs.
“A thorough evaluation was conducted, and Wildey Street was deemed the only viable site based on its proximity to Ipswich city centre, the hospital emergency department, and public transport,” a Queensland Health spokesperson said.
Despite the criticism, West Moreton Health Chief Executive Hannah Bloch described the facility as “life-changing”, highlighting its structured therapeutic programs and follow-up support for those overcoming addiction.
Lives Lived Well CEO Mitchell Giles added that the service would reduce pressure on emergency departments and hospitals while helping individuals “rebuild their lives”.
