Update
Orana, the community organisation which operates from the Caringbah Women’s Health Centre, is not initially opposed to the proposed sale of the site.
Sutherland Shire Council has decided to explore the possible sale of the site as long as Orana is relocated or is rehoused in a new development on the site (story below).
“We have a meeting scheduled with the council,” Orana executive officer Elizabeth O’Neill said.
“The council has supported us for many years in that facility and we look forward to a partnership in the future.”
Ms O’Neill said, despite some comments on social media after the Leader’s online report of the council proposal, the women’s centre was very well used.
“”We have 200 to 250 women visit the centre every week, and they are not just from that area,” she said.
Ms O’Neill said a domestic violence worker, who was at the centre one and a half days a week, was “at capacity” with appointments.
Update:
A mistake in council minutes led to embarrassment for a councillor over a proposal to sell the site occupied by the Caringbah Women’s Health Centre (see earlier story below).
Minutes posted on the council website showed Labor councillor Diedree Steinwall supported the motion at a closed session.
In fact, Cr Steinwall opposed the motion.
A council spokeswoman confirmed a mistake was made in the minutes and an updated version was due to be uploaded on Tuesday morning.
Earlier:
Sutherland Shire Council has given in-principle support to selling the site occupied by the Caringbah Women’s Health Centre if the service operating from the building can be relocated or become part of a new development.
The decision could prove controversial given the council’s earlier closure and demolition of the Cronulla Women’s Health Centre.
Orana NSW women’s health service and public toilets are housed in the building which is next to the laneway that runs from Kingsway, opposite the train station, through the council car park to Coles.
A community-based organisation, Orana provides information and referral services, with extra support for those who are financially disadvantaged and socially isolated.
Fivex Commercial Property intends to develop the sites occupied by Westpac and the Book Exchange at 344-346 Kingsway.
The company approached council about purchasing the adjoining women’s health centre site to include in a new development.
A report by council staff said amalgamation of the sites would result in an improved planning outcome for Fivex.
The report said the proposal had provided a catalyst to consider engaging with Orana and other community services providers in the Caringbah precinct to explore the options and benefits of being co-located.
“Council will be able to unlock capital tied to this site, with proceeds from the sale assisting with funding on-going community needs, reducing the growing asset maintenance burden and have council more financially sustainable,” the report said.
The council considered the matter in a closed session before deciding to advance the proposal.
It was decided to undertake consultation with Orana NSW regarding relocation and co-location options.
Subject to mutually successful outcomes being reached, the council would provide in-principle support for the sale of the council property by competitive process.
Minutes of the meeting, posted on council website, showed Labor councillors Peter Scaysbrook and Diedree Steinwall voted with the Liberals to carry the motion, but Cr Steinwall told the Leader she opposed the motion and updated minutes later confirmed this was the case.
The motion was also opposed by three other Labor councillors and Independent Steve Simpson.
