Teen Challenge SA has been given the go-ahead to use a former conference centre on Dunreath Road at Strathalbyn as a drug and rehabilitation centre for men aged 18 and over.

The Fleurieu Regional Assessment Panel voted to allow a change of use for the property at a meeting at the Strathalbyn Football Club last Tuesday.

Thirteen residents spoke at the meeting. In total, the Panel received 40 representations from concerned nearby residents. Most centred around the potential for increased crime and noise levels. 

Conditions were attached to the approval, including a maximum of 50 people being on site at any given time. The Panel also directed that any external or security lighting should not create a nuisance for neighbours or road users. 

Teen Challenge will also have to establish a 10 metre wide landscaping buffer along the northern side of the property. The buffer has to be in place within six months of the site’s development and the shrubs and trees continually maintained.

The 9-hectare site is next to the former Clipsal factory and was previously used as a conference centre. It was listed for sale for $3M earlier this year, on a walk in / walk out basis. It has accommodation facilities for up to 50 people, two tennis courts, a heated pool and spa and golf driving range.

Teen Challenge SA currently run their program at Norton Summit in the Adelaide Hills. Participants can live on site for up to 12 months.   

The program is funded by contributions from participants' Centrelink allowances and donations.

Teen Challenge SA describe themselves as a “faith-based ministry” and is part of the global Teen Challenge organisation, which has headquarters in the southern United States state of Georgia.