Residential massage parlours in Melbourne’s west are worrying residents, who allege many of the premises are being used to operate illegal brothels.
Sunshine Residents and Ratepayers Association president Darlene Reilly said residents were left feeling that a “new wave of pop-up massage parlours” was overtaking residential neighbourhoods.
“We’re concerned the council is allowing these massage parlours to operate in residential homes that are across from sports areas with children,” she said.
“Men lurk outside; the entry is from the rear and they are open 24 hours.”
City development director Stuart Menzies said operating a home business was not illegal and complaints were referred to appropriate bodies.
“Under the Brimbank planning scheme, a person is allowed to operate a home occupation from their house, [whereby] the use is not adversely affecting the amenity of the neighbourhood in any way,” he said.
“If the investigating officer has suspicions that the business is operating as a brothel, the officer will liaise with the Victoria Police sex-industry co-ordination unit.”
Brimbank police spokesman Kerin Moloney said illegal massage parlours were a problem in metropolitan Melbourne, but not all were operating as brothels.
