Aged care operator revealed for QLD Govt land project
The Queensland Government has unveiled plans for a 180-bed aged care home as part of the first project under its Land Activation Program.
On Monday (15 June), Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie announced the developers for a 6.4 hectare site in Banyo, 12km north of Brisbane.
Following a highly contested sale process through Ray White Commercial, private aged care operator and developer Rockpool Aged Care was selected to build a 180-bed aged care home on the land.
Mission Australia Housing was also chosen to build 64 affordable housing units for essential workers, while AR Development Group will build 207 townhouses.
The Land Activation Program
The Queensland Government’s Land Activation Program was first announced in February. The Program unlocks underutilised Government-owned land by partnering with private developers, aimed at addressing the State’s housing crisis.
To date, 21 hectares of land have been dedicated to the Program, with the Banyo site the first to be developed.
The site has been declared a Provisional Priority Development Area (PPDA), which will mean planning, assessment and delivery of developments will be accelerated.
Economic Development Queensland (EDQ), the State’s land use, planning, and property development agency, was overwhelmed with interest from developers, receiving 157 expressions of interest across all three categories.
Rockpool a committed Queensland developer
Rockpool Aged Care is one of the few aged care operators building new homes across Australia. After selling four facilities to ASX-listed Regis Aged Care last year, the Queensland-based operator currently has projects underway or in planning in Kedron, Hamilton Northshore, and Southport.
Rockpool CEO Melissa Argent said as a “proud Queensland business”, Rockpool was delighted to be partnering with EDQ to build the home for Banyo and the surrounding communities.
“Every Rockpool home is supported by partners who share our dedication to quality, innovation, and meaningful care,” she said. “Our expertise ensures we create environments that feel safe, thoughtful, and vibrant for our residents, families and team.”
Roockpool was founded by Bill Summers and Michael Watson in 2016. Bill established Ashmore Aged Care in the 1980s and went on to co-found Domain Aged Care in 2002. Domain became Opal HealthCare, now Australia’s largest residential aged care operator.
Melissa appeared in our most recent edition of SATURDAY. You can read the full interview here.
