Community’s love of trees sees IRT change seniors’ housing vision
IRT has listened to the community and changed its master plan to reflect a stronger landscape-led approach, balancing tree preservation with regulatory requirements.
Two small-leaved fig trees and several large turpentine trees have prompted community-owned IRT to revise its “bold new vision” for a co-located seniors’ community on the NSW South Coast.
IRT held a series of community drop-in sessions and an online webinar to present its plans for a site on the Princes Highway in the village of Milton, 222km south of Sydney. The site was purchased in 2021.
“The updates respond directly to community feedback received during consultation sessions held in October, where locals highlighted the importance of preserving the site’s mature trees,” IRT said in a statement.
The Wollongong-based operator engaged an independent arborist, who recommended a 34-metre tree protection zone – more than double the maximum requirement under Australian Standards.
IRT Chief Executive Ross Gallagher said the revisions had strengthened the overall proposal.
“I am also pleased to share that, as a result of these further investigations and refinements to our plans, we will now be retaining two large turpentine trees,” he said.
IRT has refined its master plan to adopt a more landscape-led approach, balancing tree preservation with design, safety and regulatory requirements under the existing consent.
The site already held council approval for a retirement village and aged care centre, which IRT has since evolved into a more modern, integrated seniors’ living community. A new roundabout is also being constructed on the highway.
Early site preparation works have commenced under the approved Development Application, including selective tree and vegetation clearing. IRT’s revised master plan will be submitted to Shoalhaven City Council in the coming months.
