The announcement earlier today that the Minister for Crown Lands, Steve Kamper, started the Expressions of Interest (EOI) process for Feros Village Byron Bay has drawn a response from the Feros Care board that still sees the facility in terms of a ‘closure’.
The Feros Care media release says it welcomes government support to find a solution to the ongoing dispute over the closure of Feros Village Byron Bay and that the Expression of Interest (EOI) process by the NSW Department of Planning & Environment (Crown Lands) in no way ensures the eight residents who are refusing to leave will be able to stay should an alternate operator for the site be found.
A Feros board spokesperson said that in determining the future of the Byron Bay Marvell Street site, Crown Land’s EOI process seeks a provider for the site’s reserve purpose, namely seniors’ accommodation, and not necessarily a government funded aged care facility.
A low care hostel
‘Feros Care has repeatedly asserted to government authorities that the reason for the closure is the facility in Byron Bay, which was built as a low care hostel, is unsuitable and unsafe to remain as a government funded residential aged care facility,’ said the spokesperson.
‘We will review the Expression of Interest though our position remains unchanged, that the site in its current form is not suitable for government-funded residential aged care due to our obligations under the Aged Care Act, and the planning and zoning constraints.
Concerned for expectations and wellbeing
‘Feros Care remains concerned for the expectations and wellbeing of the remaining eight residents who are clinically at risk and are refusing to be re-homed in government approved facilities. Despite this Feros Care has received regular assurances from the government regulator ACQSC that we are handling the closure appropriately and safely.’
The spokesperson said that Byron Bay deserves a future where much needed seniors accommodation in the region is prioritised. ‘Feros Care remains committed to working collaboratively to support a guaranteed solution for the affordable housing crisis for seniors in the region.
‘Feros Care continues to invest in aged care in the region, through our Bangalow Residential Aged Care Facility and the organisation’s significant community care program. As a charity Feros Care provides care and services to more than 35,000 people each day.’
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