City Mission acknowledges TASCAT outcome on Missiondale Housing

City Mission acknowledges the outcome of the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal process relating to Missiondale Housing at 75 Leighlands Road, Evandale.

Following Northern Midlands Council’s approval of the development application for 34 two-bedroom housing units at 75 Leighlands Road, Evandale, an appeal was lodged with the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. The Tribunal has now upheld that appeal.

CEO Dr Jo Fearman said while City Mission is disappointed by the decision, the organisation respects the Tribunal’s role and the process that has been followed.

Missiondale Housing was proposed to provide long-term, drug and alcohol-free housing for people seeking safety, stability and the opportunity to continue rebuilding their lives. That need remains real and significant.

“The need for social and affordable housing does not go away because a project did not proceed. In practical terms, this means 34 proposed homes will now not be available for people who are working hard to rebuild their lives,” Dr Fearman said.

Missiondale has supported people at this site for 27 years through its residential rehabilitation and recovery program, and the proposed housing development was intended to strengthen that continuum by providing a stable next step for people transitioning from treatment and other support services.

We will now take time to review the decision carefully, consider its implications, and determine the most appropriate next steps.

We thank our staff, partners, supporters and stakeholders for their ongoing commitment to people in our community who need safe and supported housing options.

Regardless of this outcome, City Mission remains committed to serving the most vulnerable people in our community through their most challenging moments of recovery, and we are grateful for dedicated and compassionate people who work in our recovery program.

And we remain committed to serving our community by increasing the availability of safe and affordable housing.

Both of these priorities are vital to our vision to transform lives, communities and futures in the name of Jesus.