By JODIE SYMONDS
Mum slams educators for building portables and says they’re costing her money…
IT’S not just a house, it’s a home.
Mount Evelyn resident Annette Belyus has raised concern over a set of portables that have been built along her back fence, and says she’s getting no answers about her situation.
But an Education Department spokesman said it would work with Ms Belyus to find a suitable solution.
Ms Belyus said she was not notified of plans by the Mount Evelyn Special Development School to have the portables backing onto the entire width of her property.
Despite sending numerous letters, she has received no answers and she has likened her situation to that of the characters in The Castle.
The issue has left Ms Belyus with no privacy and she also believes the portables, built in January, have devalued her home.
Although the portables are not in use yet, she is worried about a dozen or more eyeballs on her backyard when school begins.
Ms Belyus said she already felt uncomfortable when workers were in full view of her putting the washing on the line.
“I can see them from the waist up and it’s very confronting when you see someone saying ‘hello’ as you’re putting your underwear and things on the line,” Ms Belyus said.
Since voicing her concerns on social media, Ms Belyus has come under fire from others who believe she has an issue with disabled children.
“The students having disabilities isn’t my issue.
“It comes down to the fact that I worked hard for my home – it’s absolutely ridiculous,” she said.
“I wouldn’t have a problem if it were to be a playground. I understand, I’ve lived behind a school for the past 20 years.
“There is a difference between hearing school kids playing and them seeing right onto my property.”
Ms Belyus said she was willing to compromise with the Education Department.
Victorian Education Department spokesperson Simon Craig said staff had made plans to work with Ms Belyus three weeks ago to explore options such as planting on the shared fence line.
Ms Belyus said planting trees or building screening wouldn’t be enough to cover the six windows over her property because the portables are built on stilts.
“I worry because I’m in a bushfire area, I can’t just put up trees,” she said.
“That also takes up backyard space and I don’t think screens will be big enough to make it look good,” she said.
“I’m the one that has to live here and look at it every day.”
Mr Craig said the location of the portables was chosen due to sound planning principles and allowing easy access to other school facilities.
Questions concerning the chosen area and whether the area is restricted by bushfire regulations were put to Mr Craig, but he failed to respond by deadline.
