Today the residents of Feros Village in Byron Bay and their families and supporters have finally heard the news they have been waiting 10 months for – the NSW Government has opened an expression of interest (EOI) process for potential operators to provide aged care accommodation at the site under a long-term lease.
The Request for Proposal (RFP) by Crown Lands is the first phase in the EOI process and invites qualified applicants to be considered for the ongoing occupation and management of the Crown land reserve.
The audacious eight
Daughter of 95-year-old resident Kate Smorty, Dianne Brian, told the Echo this afternoon that everyone is to see the EOI is finally officially opened. ‘We are hoping for, and welcome, the Christmas gift of a new “caring” provider for the audacious eight remaining residents at the Byron village.’
The RFP asks applicants to submit a business proposal on how they would consult with the village residents and the community to refurbish or redevelop the site and ensure the ongoing care and well-being of the residents.
Providing a long-term lease for an aged accommodation operator will provide greater security of tenure on the site and encourage new investment in the village’s facilities.
An assessment panel
An assessment panel will be formed with representatives from the Department of Planning and Environment, Byron Shire Council and advisors StewartBrown chartered accountants to assess applications prior to a shortlisting of candidates for discussions on the next stage of the procurement process.
The reserve and aged care facility, at 29-33 Marvell Street, Byron Bay, is currently under the management of Feros Care as the appointed Crown land manager.
The RFP will allow for a transition from a Crown land manager responsible for management of the reserve to the granting of a lease under the Crown Land Management Act 2016.
Crown Lands Executive Director of Land and Asset Management Greg Sullivan said the lease will have a primary focus of providing the Byron Bay community with affordable residential and care options that support the reserve’s purpose of ‘Homes for the Aged’.
High priority on continued essential and quality health care
‘This Request for Proposal places a high priority on continued essential and quality health care services being provided to the residents and ensuring the residents and the community are consulted and involved in any decisions that may affect them or the facility,’ said Mr Sullivan.
‘A long-term lease will encourage new investment in the Crown reserve. We are looking for operators with relevant experience in managing homes for the aged and the ability to successfully deliver a refurbishment or redevelopment of the site.
‘We expect the Feros Care Village residents and the community to be consulted at various stages during any proposed redevelopment of the site.”
Applications are open until Wednesday November 29 with further information available from the NSW eTendering website at: www.tenders.nsw.gov.au.
Additional marketing information can be obtained by emailing [email protected].
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