Sex parlour ‘sleighed’

By Alison Noonan
THE doors have been shut on an illegal brothel operating in a quiet family street in Cranbourne North.
Neighbours were shocked to discover that the constant stream of people frequenting the Christmas decoration-festooned house on Josephine Avenue were actually customers of an underground sex parlour.
Mayfield Ward councillor and Cranbourne North resident Steve Beardon said he was disgusted that a resident would open their home for such an inappropriate use in an area neighbouring schools and recreational parks.
“No way are we having a brothel anywhere in Casey. No way,” he said.
“You can’t have that kind of activity in a residential area. It is just not welcome.
“There are houses on either side and a school and park just down the road. This is a nice area that is not designed to house a brothel.”
Cr Beardon claimed the bordello would attract the wrong sort of people and introduce crime, drugs and alcohol to the suburban area.
“A brothel is only permitted in outer suburban areas. The occupant didn’t even apply for a permit.
“There is nothing to debate. They can get out.
“The park in Conway Street has been the scene of trouble for some time with people congregating and used needles found on the ground so hopefully the closure of the brothel will solve some of this,” he said.
Cr Beardon vowed never to allow the brothel to open its doors in Cranbourne again.
“I have no doubt it will stay closed forever. It will never reopen,” he said.
“It should never have happened in the first place.
“If you have been there in the past don’t go back. If you do you will be caught and fined.
“This brothel has been a concern to a lot of people so we are happy it is finally closed,” he said.
Assembly of God Pastor Frank Clancy said he was stunned that the brothel was able to operate undetected for so long.
He said such a place did not reflect well on the image of the area and sent an immoral message to children.
“Kids come home from school and play in the park and here you have people coming and going from this house at all hours of the day and night,” Pastor Clancy said.
“It is situated right in a family area that is renowned for its fantastic Christmas light displays.
“The street attracts lots of families and kids and a brothel is certainly not appropriate.”
Casey manager planning Bob Baggio said the council became aware of the illegal operation three months ago following complaints from residents.
He said that under Casey planning laws a brothel was a prohibited use in a residential area and council moved to close the building immediately.
“The Dandenong Magistrates’ Court declared the premises a proscribed brothel for a period of three months and awarded costs against the owner to the sum of $5000.
“The owner is prohibited from residing on the property for that time.
“If the person does continue to reside in the brothel council can pursue further enforcement action,” he said.
Mr Baggio said he did not know how long the house had been operating as a brothel but said the council would never permit such a use now or in the future.