Busselton refuge delayed by impending demolition

The opening of the Busselton Women’s Refuge has been put on hold indefinitely, after the property earmarked for the project was identified for demolition.

It was revealed the extent of remediation works required to address structural and hazardous material issues in the building would make the upgrade unviable.

The 14-bed property, which was purchased by the Department of Housing at a cost of $990,000 in early 2013, is expected to be demolished and the site retained for future re-development.

The Times reported earlier this year the refuge was supposed to open this month and had been expected to be full in its first few days of operation, as refuges across WA were at capacity.

The Department of Child Protection has provided $720,000 in funding last year to assist with the operational costs of the refuge.

In a statement released on Friday, Busselton Women’s Refuge Incorporated chair Dawn Townsend said they were working with the department to identify alternative accommodation that would allow the refuge to commence operating in the immediate future.

“Several properties have already been assessed and we are confident a more suitable facility will be secured soon,” she said.

“BWRI appreciates the commitment of the department to provide a property that will be fit for purpose and serve the Busselton community well into the future.

“The community can be assured that BWRI and the department are making every effort to have a suitable and safe women's refuge open as soon as practically possible.”

More on this story in Friday’s edition of the Busselton Dunsborough Times