Derby worker housing supported

• From last week's edition – Jason Shaw and Grant Kearney in front of the proposed hostel.

By Tony Scott,
August 18, 2021

The Dorset Council has supported the initiative of a community organisation to address the shortage of longer term accommodation at Derby.

The chairman of the Blue Derby Foundation and local businessman, Grant Kearney, made a personal deputation to the Council explaining the organisation’s purpose and thanking staff for administrative support in its establishment.

He said one of the most pressing issues identified by the Foundation was the difficulty in finding suitable accommodation for staff working in the town.

“It’s almost impossible to find housing for staff.

“Some end up staying in the back of a van or caravan until they get sick of it.

“We see it as a serious impediment to the development of the region.”

Mr Kearney said they had come up with a proposal to renovate the old Department of Main Roads shed near the former Tin Centre, which was vested in the Council when the Centre was sold, to provide hostel accommodation for up to eight people.

He said rental revenue was expected to derive $25,000 a year which would be passed onto the Council for use in maintaining the Derby bike trails.

He said acceptance by the council of the proposition would help fundraising efforts which had already raised $20,000 on the way to a goal of at least $65,000 towards the renovation costs.

He hoped the project could be completed this financial year, conceding a wish to have it done by the end of the calendar year might be too optimistic in the current construction climate.

The Council then considered a recommendation to lease the shed at 57 Main Street to the Blue Derby Foundation at a peppercorn rent for five years and to make a budget variation to allow for $65,000 for the shed’s refurbishment.

General Manager Tim Watson said it amounted to a joint venture with the Foundation and the budget variation would be offset by the sale of council land to be added to two private lots further along Main Street.

There was overwhelming support for the proposal and the recommendation passed without dissent.