Petition on health facility

A petition to move a proposed mental health step-up, step down facility in Karratha has been tabled in Parliament.

Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel tabled the petition in the legislative assembly on Monday last week.

The petition expresses concern at the decision-making process for the placement of the facility near Millars Well Primary School.

It asks for the Legislative Assembly to bring the concerns to the attention of the Department of Health, City of Karratha, and Department of Housing.

Mr Michel said he hoped the petition would help set up a meeting with key stakeholders.

“It was requested by my constituents that I table a petition, so that I could bring the issue directly to the attention of the Minister for Mental Health, and the other members of Parliament,” he said.

The $9.7 million building — which will provide short-term residential support for people after hospitalisation for mental illness or those at risk of deteriorating mental health and possible hospitalisation — was expected to be opened by 2018 but the chosen site has caused controversy.

The proposed site across the road from the Karratha RSL Club was chosen last year but drew concern about its proximity to Millars Well Primary School and licensed venues on the same street.