Focus
The City of Swan has never taken issue with the Shalom House program and acknowledges the important role it plays in helping to rehabilitate people dependent on drugs and alcohol.
We have always maintained that a Shalom House facility could be capable of approval in our City, if the applicant follows correct processes like any other member of our community.
For a number of years we have proactively worked with the applicant to ensure they are aware of, and following, correct processes to ensure their operations can run lawfully. Despite this, the applicant has been operating without the proper planning and building approvals at its premises on Great Northern Highway in Bullsbrook.
We previously instructed the applicant to cease unlawful construction on the property, however they ignored this request and as a result, we have initiated legal action.
We empathise with the current situation, but we have an obligation and a responsibility to uphold our local planning laws, to not only ensure that the patrons of Shalom House are accommodated in buildings that are safe but to ensure the needs of all members of our community are protected.
These factors have always been at the forefront of our minds in our decision-making on any matters relating to Shalom House.
