Five brand new aged care units have been built in Barcaldine as part of the wider Master Plan for the Barcaldine Aged Care Village.
Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud joined residents at the Village today to officially open the new units.
“These new aged care facilities will allow local residents to remain in their hometown after retiring,” Mr Littleproud said.
“It’s heartbreaking for rural communities when seniors are forced to move away from their family, friends and everything they have ever known to a larger town or city to receive care.
“The additional aged care units will significantly boost Barcaldine Aged Care Village’s capacity to deliver quality care to local seniors, and ensure they are able to stay as close as possible to their friends and families.
“The five new units built through this project already have their first residents.
“The project, funded under the Australian Government’s $1.29 billion Building Better Regions Fund, also supported seven jobs during construction and is expected to create three ongoing jobs.
The need for local age care facilities was identified through extensive community consultation, and local project suppliers and contractors were used during construction, ensuring there would be immediate economic benefits within the community.
“The new facility also houses various services and community groups including Home and Community Care, 60 & Better, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme,” Mr Littleproud said.
“The new services will be of enormous benefit to other retirees within the wider Barcaldine community as well.”
The project was jointly funded with the Australian Government committing $1.8 million and Barcaldine Aged Care Inc committing $646,462.
