Senior Australians across Capricornia will benefit from the single largest investment in residential aged care infrastructure in Australia’s history.
A total of $150 million in capital grants has been allocated following the conclusion of the competitive 2020 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR).
It includes $9 million for Mercy Health and Aged Care Central Queensland in Rockhampton.
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the $9 million grant for Rockhampton represented more than just bricks and mortar.
“This is about reinforcing the future of care for senior Australians across Rockhampton,” Ms Landry said.
“It offers peace-of-mind and security not only for local residents already in care but also those who are carefully considering the next phase of their life.
“Investing in aged care infrastructure means we can improve the quality and safety of residential aged care from the ground up.
“I am pleased to hear that Mercy Health and Aged Care Central Queensland are planning to build a new aged care facility for the benefit of Central Queensland residents following the $9 million capital grant.”
CEO of Mercy Community Fritha Radyk said Mercy Health and Aged Care Central Queensland has been providing aged care services on this site for more than 80 years.
“While our team provide high quality and caring services to our residents, the current facility, built on a medical model more than 45 years ago, is one of the oldest un-renovated residential aged care facilities remaining in Rockhampton,” Ms Radyk said.
“This new development will be a breath of fresh air for our aged community in Rockhampton. The privacy, space and dignity offered in the proposed designs will invigorate the lives of our current and future residents living here.
“Mercy Community gratefully acknowledge the support of the Commonwealth Government through the $9million Capital Grant toward this project. This grant allows us to move forward quickly and with confidence to deliver this improved service.”
The 2020 ACAR also includes the allocation of over 4000 residential care places and more than 1000 short-term restorative care places worth a combined $380 million a year.
This substantial investment by the Australian Government has funded 72 infrastructure projects worth, on average, $2.1 million each.
Information about the 2020 ACAR outcomes, including details of the successful providers is available here.
