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After several months of uncertainty about the future of the new nursing home, Anglican Care finally has the funding needed to proceed with the project.
Federal Member for Lyne David Gillespie officially broke the news to Anglican Care chief executive officer, Colin Osborne at the proposed Clement Street site for the new nursing home and retirement village on Tuesday, July 17.
Surrounded by members of the community including MidCoast Council deputy mayor Katheryn Smith, former Gloucester Shire mayor John Rosenbaum and Gloucester Business Chamber president Stuart Redman, Dr Gillespie made the $8 million announcement.
During a recent community meeting in Gloucester, Mr Osborne stated that despite the DA being lodged, the not-for-profit organisation was still short on capital for the project to proceed.
According Mr Osborne, Tuesday’s announcement means the project is good to go.
“We’re absolutely thrilled we are able to go ahead with this project,” Mr Osborne said.
Dr Gillespie expressed his support of the project since the beginning.
"This funding will ensure the project is viable and that Anglican Care can now proceed with this important project which offers significant social and economic benefits for the Gloucester community," Dr Gillespie said.
"The people of Gloucester now want this project to get on and happen as quickly as possible.
“I think both current and future residents of the area want the confidence to know there is a suite of aged care services and retirement living options available when they are planning their future, and this development helps achieve that,” Dr Gillespie said.
Once the development application is approved by council, Anglican Care will move on to the design development phase, which will take around three months, preparing the required documents for tender.
“The hope is to appoint a contractor by December or January,” Mr Osborne said. “The project should take around 15 months to construct.”
Although the construction contract will be tendered, Mr Osborne indicated the intention to encourage local trades by requiring a five year plus five year option for service and maintenance.
“If a local business knows they have a five plus five contract, they can invest with confidence,” Mr Osborne said.
The new nursing home is proposed for 44 beds with an option to expand by an additional 10 beds. Currently, Gloucester’s existing aged care facility at Gloucester Hospital has 60 beds.
When asked what happens if there are more residents needing beds than built at the time the new facility opens, Mr Osborne answered, “We are obliged to provide a service for all residents.” However, he wouldn’t elaborate other than to state that the organisation had done all the research and is confident that only 44 beds are needed for Gloucester.
Dr Gillespie said the $8-million in federal funding would be made available under the Federal Government's Building Better Regions Fund program.
Anne Keen
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
