THE Department of Child Protection has refuted claims up to $1 million is being spent on a home for children in need.
Residents in Carawatha Avenue, Mt Nasura fear far too much taxpayers’ money is being spent to buy and prepare the refuge for four children with a live-in carer couple.
The home cost the Department $840,000, but Louise Noble, who lives opposite, feared “hundreds of thousands” more was being spent on landscaping and fencing that she felt was an eyesore.
The residents, largely retirees, have previously voiced concerns that children referred by Parkerville or Youth Care were being moved into their street. They claim taxpayers money could have been better spent on a more affordable, child-friendly home elsewhere.
Comment News asked the Department last week to provide the cost of renovations and was told all modifications would cost $41,000, bringing total expenditure to $881,000.
Renovations include glazing and security screening of doors, replacement of locks, grounds maintenance and clean up, reticulation upgrades, repairs to brickwork and retaining walks, new fencing, and lawn, trees and shrubs.
Parkerville Children and Youth Care, which will operate and manage the family group home, are expected to have children housed there by early October.