Editor:
There is no question that the stigma of mental illness still pervades every part our society. However, having worked in the social housing field as a property manager for several years, providing services to over 15 group homes to people with severe mental illness, I believe we have every right to ask questions and have some concerns over the proposed Cottage Farm project. The project in question is planning to house 36 residents with severe mental illness on a 10-acre farm in Williamsons Landing. Capital funds will be required to set up the numerous buildings, large commercial kitchen, barns for animals, etc. Operating funds must be secured to enable this large project to operate. These are significant tax dollars, significant health dollars. I'm disappointed at Ms. Roy's editorial, comparing a small eight- to 10-person group home with a 36-person institution. Rightly, Ms. Roy suggests: "Take the time to educate yourself on the issues at stake here." I suggest she do the same.
There are many issues concerning the proposed Cottage Farm residents, their welfare and their future integration into the community. I hope there will be ample opportunity to hear the proposed plan. Many ideas are with good intensions, but only through effective and continual dialogue can you hope to have a viable plan.
I wholeheartedly agree that we need to provide more services to persons with mental illness. I agree that removing them from the clutches of drug dealers and alcohol sales is required, but there is so much more. And putting them in this small community, substantially removed from hospital services, policing and ambulance, needs further discussion. How about our own "at-risk" young people in similar circumstances living on the Sunshine Coast will they be included? The Cottage Farm website indicates they may in the future, for a day program. This isn't good enough.
Michele March
Langdale
