State Government resolves approval for Perth women's shelter

• Northbridge facility granted temporary approval to operate while construction of Ruah Centre for Women & Children is completed
• Safe Night Space provides essential support service for vulnerable women
• Security, waste and operation conditions resolved to allow service to commence
• Decision provides clarity and certainty for Ruah to operate the service

Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson today finalised a review of a planning application for the Safe Night Space at 247-249 James Street in Northbridge.

The Safe Night Space is a unique program designed to provide critical shelter for vulnerable women, including those escaping domestic violence.

Ruah Community Services, who previously ran the service from the Rod Evans Community Centre in East Perth, sought temporary approval from the City of Perth to use the James Street premises for continuation of the program.

Under legislative powers, the proposal was called-in for Ministerial determination following the City of Perth's decision to force a number of conditions on the facility.

After careful consideration through the proper process, Minister Sanderson today resolved to approve the application including varied conditions.

Submissions were received from both the applicant and the City of Perth, noting that the City of Perth also sought to expand their proposed conditions as part of this process. Submissions have been thoroughly reviewed and taken into consideration to inform this decision.

The proposal warrants resolution based on planning merits, and in the public interest, to ensure continuity of essential support services for vulnerable women. 

The decision provides clarity and certainty for Ruah to be able to operate the Safe Night Space service and continue providing support to the vulnerable women who use it.

Copies of the decision, conditions of approval and submissions received are available at https://www.wa.gov.au/government/document-collections/ruah-safe-night-space-call.

Comments attributed to Health and Mental Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

"After carefully considering the submissions put forward, I have affirmed my approval for this development application with revised conditions to ensure the safe and responsible operations and management of the Safe Night Space.

"Full consideration was given to a range of planning considerations including the suitability of land use and local amenity that helps inform the future operations and site management.

"I am pleased to bring these outstanding matters to resolution to ensure this critical, safe service for women in crisis can now resume operations.

"It is in the public interest that we are able to support these vulnerable members of our community and ensure they are not at further risk of assault, abuse, health or mental health issues."