A whole community can expel a sigh of relief at the breaking news that months of distress and sadness can now become part of history – this morning the Minister for Crown Lands, Steve Kamper, has announced that services providers for aged care are advised that Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for Feros Village Byron Bay.
The news came this morning via Tamara Smith MP who said communications between Feros residents and the minister have proven to be a base for a positive outcome.
Crown Lands bent over backwards
‘The Minister has been amazing and to say Crown Lands have bent over backwards to support the residents, would be an understatement,’ she said.
‘It’s been very tricky, but basically, Crown Lands has initiated the Expressions of Interest process, which is what government has to do.’
Recently Crown Lands denied Feros’s Change of Use application for inter-generational living at the facility.
Ms Smith says it is her understanding that the Feros board went back to Crown Lands with several versions of that concept – all of which were knocked back.
‘When I have the director of Crown Lands, Infrastructure saying there’s no world where they want to see those residents without care for even a short period, I just think they’ve been amazing,’ said Tamara Smith.
It’s no secret that service provider Apollo Care have been part of the mix in recent weeks. The Mullumbimby Neighbourhood Centre plans to partner with Apollo Care and make an application to the EOI.
It is also possible that Feros Care might also apply.
A bipartisan effort
One of the best outcomes for Feros has been the bipartisan effort to have the elder folk of Byron Bay cared for.
Ms Smith said a lot was done across the board. ‘I kept pushing on the floor. We got to zoom with the Minister and the residents – once he met with them he was hooked. He had hoped that Byron Council would agree to take over as Crown Land Managers, but they did not agree to that, which was very disappointing.
‘That’s where Mullumbimby Neighbourhood Centre has stepped into the breach, and they have a Memorandum of Understanding.’
Ms Smith said on another level this is great news for the facility. ‘My understanding is that whoever is successful through the expression of interest process will oversee the investment into the property required to lift the infrastructure, to be fit for purpose in terms of being for aged living.
‘They can do the works that they need to, working around the current residents, but also what’s exciting is, then there’s the next generation of residents who have a wonderful home.’
Highest priority is ensuring continued care
In his offical release this morning Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper, said that the highest priority is to ensure continuing care for the remaining residents in the village. ‘Their welfare is paramount in deciding the future of the reserve from a Crown land administration perspective.
‘An open Expression of Interest process is warranted as an alternate aged care provider has come forward to signal their interest in operating the site.
‘The EOI will require all interested parties including Feros Care to demonstrate any proposed development on the site will comply with State and Federal aged care legislation, planning requirements and industry health and safety standards.’
The residents are happy
When The Echo spoke to resident Kate Smorty and her daughter Dianne Brien a few minutes ago, they were elated.
‘I’m really interested to see the outcome of the Expression of Interest,’ said Kate. ‘I feel like we’ve been waiting and holding our breath. So now I can breathe and hope we have someone running our Byron Village who really cares about aged care and those who live here.’
Dianne was very relieved to hear the news. ‘At last!
‘I really want to thank the Byron community and the Council, Minister Kamper, the Echo and especially Maree Eddings,’ she said.
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