City of Perth, Ruah head to SAT

Ruah Community Services has asked the State Administrative Tribunal to review the City of Perth's refusal of its proposed relocation to Northbridge.

The community services provider has lodged a SAT appeal against the City of Perth, with a general directions hearing scheduled for next Friday.

Ruah proposed to move into a two-storey building on 247-249 James Street, Northbridge, which is currently used as an education facility by the Skills Institute of Australia.

The relocation comes after Ruah's $15 million, seven-storey Centre for Women and Children was approved by the state government's City of Perth Local Development Assessment Panel in early April.

Ruah's current single-storey outreach centre on the north-west corner of the Shenton and John streets intersection, also in Northbridge, will be demolished to make way for the new Centre for Women and Children.

Ruah chief executive Debra Zanella previously said the organisation and the city would continue their conversations for possible sites, which was confirmed by a city spokesperson today.

"On June 10, 2022, Ruah Community Services Ltd, lodged an application for review of council’s decision to the SAT," the spokesperson said.

"Last week, Ruah met with the city to seek support with alternate locations for the drop-in centre.

"The city is currently considering its position on this matter."

City of Perth general manager, planning and economic development, Dale Page recommended the council approve to change the use of the James Street building from education to community, for Ruah to move into the facility.

However, councillors decided to refuse the proposed change of use after reviewing the 71 submissions from the public, with 64 objecting to Ruah's relocation, at a meeting in May.

"Proposed use is inconsistent with the statement of intent for the Northbridge precinct to provide a diverse, interesting and dynamic inner-city precinct that will be promoted as an attractive destination for the local population and interstate and overseas visitors," the council resolution said.

"The proposal does not adequately address community concern relating an increase in antisocial behaviour, a reduction in public safety, loss of residential amenity and an adverse impact on business."

Homelessness Minister John Carey has spoken against the council's vote, previously saying the refusal was "deeply saddening" as the Ruah relocation was necessary.

"The City of Perth’s decision to vote down this critical homeless service was a real blow to Ruah and the sector more generally," Mr Carey said today.

"I welcome the news that Ruah have appealed the decision to the SAT."

The relocated centre aims to provide services for people experiencing homelessness, including linking people with accommodation and specialist services, alcohol and other drug support, mental health and legal services, and emergency relief and light food.

Last month, Ms Zanella said the exact date for the demolition of the current outreach centre on Shenton Street was yet to be determined but could potentially occur as early as August.