IRT submits DA to upgrade and reopen Unanderra aged care building

IRT has reached a significant milestone in its project to renovate and refurbish Marco Polo Unanderra Aged Care Centre with the submission of a Development Application this week.

The project is made possible by a $15.8 million grant provided under the Commonwealth’s Aged Care Capital Assistance Program. The project, which was officially announced by Minister for Aged Care and Sport the Hon Anika Wells MP on 5 September 2024, will deliver more aged care beds to the Illawarra.

IRT CEO Patrick Reid said IRT was extremely grateful to receive the grant, which will be used to upgrade and refurbish the Unanderra site, adding 48 much-needed beds for dementia and high-acuity patients in the Illawarra Shoalhaven region.

“This region faces significant population ageing, which is seeing an increased demand for aged care services, resulting in protracted stays in hospital for people who can no longer return to their own home after a serious life-changing health event,” Mr Reid said.

“This grant is important because it will enable us to deliver additional aged care beds, which will, in turn, reduce pressure on the local health system and achieve better social outcomes for the people who are caught in the holding pattern of waiting to leave the hospital,” Mr Reid said.

“The benefits, therefore, are twofold; as an aged care bed is considered a home for the resident and a more comfortable environment than a hospital, and there is a cost-saving for the region’s hospitals when care is provided in an aged care centre rather than in sub-acute hospital care.

“In summary, sub-acute care is much more costly than aged care alternatives and is costing the Illawarra health system an extra $58 million annually.

“Adding more aged care beds will significantly reduce these costs.”

This project marks a pivotal step forward in IRT’s commitment to elevating the standard of residential aged care services in the Illawarra region, particularly for older individuals with heightened care requirements, including those living with dementia.

Marco Polo joined IRT in July 2023 to ensure the strong future of its residential aged care centres and home care services in Unanderra and Woonona.

The funding will enable the refurbishment of Cordeaux Lodge, which is currently home to 80 residents, and the restoration of the currently closed St Luke’s and St John’s nursing homes, bringing online an additional 30 high-care suites and 18 secure memory support suites.

Built in the 1980s, the St Luke’s and St John’s wings were officially closed in March 2023 after new admissions ceased two years prior. At the time, it was acknowledged that the style and standard of accommodation in this section of the building no longer met residents’ needs and expectations.

Wollongong City Council is expected to soon place the DA on exhibition for public viewing and comment.

Media enquiries: Hannah Ellson 0429 361 627 | engage@irt.org.au

General enquiries: 134 478

About IRT Group:
IRT Group is one of Australia’s largest community-owned, not-for-profit providers of retirement living, residential aged care and home care. With more than 50 years’ experience and locations throughout NSW, the ACT and South East Queensland, we employ more than 2000 people and play a significant role in promoting seniors as dynamic, influential and valuable members of society.