A string of community, government and industry leaders watched as The Nationals leader David Littleproud turned the first sod on a crucial $28.7 million development of Chinchilla’s Illoura Village.
Once completed, Illoura will boast more than 100 residencies and house an education and training centre for up to 50 aged care nursing students from the University of Queensland and the University of Southern Queensland.
Southern Queensland Rural Health will oversee the education program that will ultimately boost Illoura’s current staff of 90 to accommodate the expanded aged care village.
The development received $14 million from the federal Government and $12 million from the Western Downs Regional Council.
It follows Southern Cross Care Queensland’s (SCC) acquisition last year of council’s aged care assets.
As well as Illoura, Southern Cross Care now owns and manages aged care facilities in Tara, Miles, Jandowae and Meandarra.
Mr Littleproud said the opening of Illoura Village was a “huge milestone“ in a new era for aged care in the region.
“I am thrilled the former grant of $14 million I secured before the election is now locked in and the physical works are beginning,” he said.
“Ultimately, this project is about people and about being able to age in a place close to family, reinforcing the future of care for senior residents here and across Maranoa.”
The $14 million grant was record funding and given under the 2020 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR).
“Southern Cross Care Queensland – providers of Illoura Village – will turn the current 66-bed facility into a contemporary home supporting up to 81 residents, including a dedicated dementia care home,“ Mr Littleproud said.
“No senior should be forced to move away from family or loved ones to a larger town or city to receive care.
“This project will change and improve quality of life for seniors.
“I look forward to seeing future works of this project and ensuring our seniors can age in a town like Chinchilla, close to their support network and the community they love and enjoy.”
Through the former Coalition Government’s ACAR funding more than $15 million was secured by aged care facilities in Goondiwindi, Chinchilla, Jandowae, Dalby and Warwick.
“I worked extremely hard for this funding because I grew up in Maranoa and live in Maranoa and I know that ‘home’ means so much to locals here,“ Mr Littleproud said.
“For me, it’s imperative our seniors have peace of mind and security about their future care options.”
