Christian group Teen Challenge Tasmania must reapply for a development application for Home of Hope, a women and children residential facility, after they and the Meander Valley Council were ruled against by the Resource Management and Planning Appeals Tribunal.

The appeal was launched by Timber World, owned by former Greens leader Kim Booth’s son Bronte, with the support of the Meander Area Residents and Ratepayers Association.

Mr Johnston said those who supported the facility were disappointed, but not surprised about the ruling, which could see a six-to-eight month delay in plans.

He said the Meander Valley Enterprise Centre spent a long time trying to find a suitable use for the old school site before Teen Challenge Tasmania took an interest.

“Nothing came forward at the time as to what the school could be used for … nothing came forward that hit the nail on the head,” Mr Johnston said.

“I think it would be marvelous to help women and children who have been in that drug environment to get their lives back on track … [so] I fail to see why some of these people are not coming on board.”

Mr Johnston said MARRA did not represent the majority of people, as most members of the group lived outside the Meander township.

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His sentiments were echoed by Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie, whose son had success with Teen Challenge on the mainland.

“This is just a bump in the road, I’ll do everything I can to ensure Tasmania leads by example and is the first place in Australia to have a drug and alcohol educational rehabilitation program for mums and their children,” Senator Lambie said. 

“Women will heal in a supportive environment without the added stress that separation from their children brings.”

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