Shire of Dardanup approves mental health clinic in Eaton

The development of a mental health clinic on Eaton Drive will go ahead after the Dardanup Shire Council approved the application. The application to relocate a mental health clinic to 52 Eaton Drive was carried seven-nil at Wednesday night’s meeting. The application received one objection from a nearby resident, who said the clinic “poses a grave security risk” and they were concerned for their family’s safety. During discussions with a shire officer and the applicant, the objector said “not stereotyping all with mental health issues but certain individuals … will be less than desirable. “My child’s safety and my safety and wellbeing are my number one priority. “Furthermore, it will greatly decrease the value of my property which I will not stand for.” In response the applicant said it was an “unfortunate reality” that people with mental illness in WA experienced stigma around their health. “But to alleviate some of the objector’s concerns we are not an emergency or acute mental health clinic,” the applicant said. They said they provided counselling and long-term support for people. Shire officers said the nature of the business was not considered to increase the likelihood of danger, nuisance or disturbance to nearby properties. During Wednesday’s council meeting, Cr Patricia Perks questioned if any antisocial issue had been raised at the clinic’s current address. A shire officer said they had not received any complaints from the current clinic premises. The application was approved subject to multiple conditions including only one treatment room being used at any one time. The applicant must apply to the council to use multiple treatment rooms.