NSW’s first aged-care facility built specifically for people with disabilities will be constructed on a Greenfields site at Hamlyn Terrace on the Central Coast.
The Minister for Disability Services, Kristina Keneally, and Member for Wyong, David Harris, today announced the new centre will be constructed on a large parcel of land the Iemma Government purchased from AVJennings situated, on the corner of the Pacific Highway and Louisiana Road.
“The 100 bed aged-care facility for people with a disability will include four new respite beds, which provide carers with a much-needed break and opportunities for a person with a disability to access the community and socialise more widely,” Ms Keneally said.
“A nearby 20 bed facility will cater for the needs of people with disabilities who have the potential to live more independently.”
Ms Keneally said the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care was currently negotiating the purchase of a nearby site on which to establish the 20-bed community development.
“The 120 bed capacity of the two new facilities will be good news for the Central Coast - relieving pressure on the system and providing opportunities for respite, especially people with a disability living with ageing carers who might otherwise be forced into permanent accommodation,” Ms Keneally said.
“Under Stronger Together the Iemma Government committed to redeveloping or closing large residential centres, including the 87-bed Peat Island Centre, and creating new liveable communities with appropriate accommodation.”
Mr Harris said the new centre was a win for the entire Central Coast.
“The new centre and the nearby community development will provide additional beds and state-of the art facilities, good natural light and ventilation, and energy and water efficiency,” Mr Harris said.
“Resitech has been selected to design this innovative aged care village. As the Department of Housing's specialist housing provider they have a high reputation for their ability to undertake projects for our older and aged citizens.
“The design and construction of the new centre will take between two and three years and when completed will provide modern accommodation in a cluster of buildings which will be interconnected.”
Ms Keneally said that the development of the specialist aged care village and community based home accommodation was in line with Stronger Together, the Government’s 10-year, $1.3 billion plan to improve disability services and facilities.