By Luke Voogt
A private rehab company could provide a “desperately-needed” Geelong clinic two years faster than the State Government, according to its director.
Habitat Therapeutics’ Jim Tatlock said his company could set up a five-bed rehab centre in weeks – with government funding.
“If they wanted to create 15 beds we could do it in a couple of months. It needs some immediate action,” he said.
Mr Tatlock issued the funding call following the State Government’s announcement of $9.7 million for a Barwon residential rehabilitation facility.
He estimated the state, which is examining potential sites, would take about two years to finish building – an estimation which Salvation Army addiction expert Neil Loxston said was accurate.
But Mr Tatlock said there were “disused” former rehabilitation centres in Geelong in “perfect condition”, including a 50-bed facility in Newcomb.
“Why build if there’s already property that would be suitable? There are two properties that I’m aware of that would probably fill that role.”
Habitat Therapeutic currently runs two facilities in Geelong with a total of 10 beds.
Rehab manager Warren Holland said the company could fund five beds for 12 months with $500,000 in government funding.
He added the company could fill a 15 or 20 bed facility in Geelong “tomorrow”.
“We get multiple calls on our phone line for help and people in emergency and dire situations wanting beds immediately. The beds just aren’t there.”
The company employed 11 people in Geelong – most recovered addicts – which Mr Holland said was part of Habitat’s treatment model.
The company proposed a clinic in Highton earlier this year, which City Hall rejected due to community pressure.
Opponents of the proposed facility said Habitat Therapeutics could kick out clients that relapsed.
“It doesn’t work like that,” Mr Holland said.
“We engage with the person in the hope that they come back.”
Private rehabilitation took immense pressure off police and the public health system, and often treatment costs were cheaper than the client’s drug-use, Mr Holland said.
“You’re asking an individual to invest in their future.”
Mr Holland added that the company had contributed costs for six patients so far.
“When we get a cry for help, if we’re concerned enough, we’ll actually absorb some of the cost.”
Habitat received no response when it emailed Mental Health Minister Martin Foley and Health Minister Jill Hennessy, Mr Tatlock said.
But a government spokesperson said neither minister had received communications from Habitat Therapeutics.
The 2017-18 State Budget included $9.7 million in capital planning and land acquisition for a Barwon facility, but the spokesperson declined to specify a timeframe.
Bellarine MP Lisa Neville has indicated she would meet with Habitat Therapeutics, Mr Tatlock said.
