On-site worker accommodation for IRT's proposed seniors' living facility

The Not For Profit operator based in Wollongong, the coastal city 85km south of Sydney's CBD, has concluded its community consultation for a seniors’ living community in Moruya, the town 305km south of Sydney's CBD.

 A State Significant Development is to be lodged for the major development on vacant land, with IRT refining its ageing in place masterplan in response to ideas raised by local residents. It will include a mix of residential aged care, retirement living and key worker accommodation, with on-site amenities such as a village green, café and clubhouse, which will be open to the public.

IRT CEO Ross Gallagher said community input gathered through a drop-in session and webinar held in August last year has directly informed refinements to the draft masterplan.

The Refinements made in response to community feedback include limits to building heights, with villas remaining at one to two storeys and the residential care home and apartment buildings at three to four storeys, with adjustments to building orientation and setbacks to reduce overlooking of neighbouring properties.

Dedicated on-site worker accommodation has also been confirmed to help address local workforce housing challenges and support staff attraction and retention.

“Aged care and retirement villages should not exist in silos. Our aim is to support older people to remain connected to their community as their needs change, while contributing to local employment opportunities and shared spaces that encourage connection," Ross said.

The State Significant Development Application is currently being prepared and is expected to be lodged early this year.