Local council commits to $6.6M Independent Living Project

Warrumbungle Shire in the NSW Central West is looking for options to help its seniors stay in the community.

The Weekly SOURCE has reported ad nauseam on local and regional councils closing their residential aged care homes and shutting their home care services.

But the Shire Council, 353km from Sydney, wants to help its ratepayers and it has the financial backing of both the NSW and Federal Governments.

The Council is planning to build independent living accommodation for older residents on the site of the former Dunedoo Hospital in the village of Dunedoo.

The project has a construction budget of $6.6 million and is being funded through a combination of State and Federal Government grants. NSW Public Works is currently undertaking the planning for the site alongside Warrumbungle Shire Council staff.

The proposed Stage 1 works include:

• Construction of two-bedroom independent living units;
• Construction of a turning lane off the Golden Highway (Sullivan Street) into the site; and
• Construction of a connecting footpath into the Dunedoo CBD.

A community engagement sessions giving an opportunity for residents to view the concept plans and provide feedback on key elements of the project, including site layout and unit composition was held on Wednesday, 20 May.

Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor Councillor Kathryn Rindfleish, Council staff, representatives from EnergyCo, and architects NBRS discussed the project.

“This project is an important investment for Dunedoo and we encourage community members to come along, view the concept plans and provide feedback,” the Mayor said.

“Community input will help inform the next stage of the project.”