The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) has granted a stay on the closure of the Seasons Living Caloundra retirement village, allowing four remaining residents to stay in their homes until a legal review is complete.
The Queensland operator has previously converted its retirement villages in Bribie Island, Eastern Heights, Kallangur, and Redbank Plains into seniors' rental communities, as reported by The Weekly SOURCE in September last year.
Seasons had informed residents at its 120-unit Seasons Living Caloundra retirement village, located in Golden Beach, that the it would become its fifth rental village, operating under Queensland Government's Rental Tenancies Authority, with a minimum six-month lease.
Six residents challenged the decision by the Department of Housing and Public Works to approve the transition plan by Seasons for the village to transition to a rental-only model.
The QCAT has ‘stayed’ the decision, meaning the closure cannot proceed until the residents’ review application is addressed.
QCAT member Noel Jensen granted the stay on 16 June, stating the review should first consider whether the approved closure plan provided a “clear, orderly and fair process” as required under the Retirement Villages Act.
“The purpose of the review application is not to prevent the closure of the village; it is to seek a direction that the closure plan be revised to offer significantly improved assistance to residents to find alternate accommodation,” stated the tribunal. “If the plan is implemented, then this opportunity will be lost to the applicants.”
The tribunal also acknowledged the residents’ vulnerability, noting the applicants are in the last stages of their lives and risk “irreversible harm” if relocated without proper support.
“Significantly increased assistance will be required to allow the affected residents, who are in the last stages of their lives, to find alternate, secure accommodation close to their family, friends and critical support networks,” stated the tribunal.
The Department did not oppose the stay.
CEO: Support available for those who choose to move
Chief Executive Officer Jodie Gaske said there were 14 apartments occupied under a retirement village lease and the residents had several options, including relocating to one of three Seasons retirement village or remaining as a renter.
Jodie told The Weekly SOURCE that four residents remain in the village and on site home care and support services are still in place.
"Furthermore, if residents require 24/7 clinical care, they can also consider relocating to Seasons’ residential aged care facility.
"Seasons is providing financial support with relocation costs, aged care placement and financial consultants should residents wish."
