Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) has announced plans to provide affordable housing in Moama for older residents, lodging an application with Murray River Council to change the use of its Regent Street site from a residential aged care facility to a boarding house for the aged.
This proposal has however been met with opposition from residents living nearby.
Murray River Council mayor, Cr John Harvie said that following a number of objections from nearby residents, Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) has agreed to hold a public meeting to address community concerns.
"We applaud the company for taking prompt action to arrange this meeting," Cr Harvie said.
"Most of the concerns have arisen due to negative feelings about the term 'boarding house' and is exacerbated further by the fact that applications to operate such a facility must be lodged with the NSW Department of Justice."
Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) is seeking certification in the aged care category of boarding houses, enabling it to provide assisted living services to older residents. The proposed repurposing of the Regent Street site would deliver much-needed affordable homes, bridging the gap between retirement living and full residential aged care.
The public meeting will be held at the Moama Football Netball Club pavilion on Monday 18 August at 5.30pm. All interested or concerned residents are encouraged to attend.
