The seven remaining councillors voted to approve The Orchard, however councillors Glenn Taylor, Scott Munro, Kevin Duffy and deputy mayor Sam Romano indicated they would support a rescission motion and left the chamber before the vote.

Housing Plus representatives emphasised the not-for-profit had communicated with residents via multiple letters, a kiosk at the council chambers and an extension of the public submission period to five weeks.

They also emphasised government funding hinged on a March approval and completion by the end of the year.

However, it was disputed by George Weily Place residents, with some saying the DA was the first they heard of the proposal.

Residents contended traffic growth would affect children’s safety in the street and were concerned security measures would protect the facility’s users but not the surrounding residents.

A motion to defer the motion for two weeks failed after council staff said investigating alternative access off the Northern Distributor Road or the Escort Way would take two months to design and re-exhibit. 

Councillors Tony Mileto and Joanne McRae spoke about their experiences with domestic violence, with Cr McRae posing the question of how much a life was worth. 

Councillors later passed the proposed animal shelter, voted to donate $1000 to Orange Waratah Soccer Club for a visit from former Socceroo Paul Wade provided the money did not go to the guest, and added CCTV in Robertson Park to the list of priorities for the 2019-20 financial year. 

More to come.

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