Existing and prospective aged care providers across Far North Queensland are being encouraged to apply for a share in a record offering of more than 14,000 new aged care places.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said aged care was an extremely important issue for families in many communities across Far North Queensland.
“We know how important it is to help local people continue to live in the communities they know and love,” Mr Entsch said.
“Only this week I visited the Star of the Sea facility on Thursday Island which is a brand new facility for community elders.
“It was amazing to meet the residents at the facility and the fantastic services they are being offered on a daily basis.
“Star of the Sea is truly a magnificent facility that expressly caters to the cultural requirements and needs of elderly local indigenous people.
“The fact that suitable proposals targeting aged care in regional areas will be prioritised this year presents a great opportunity.”
Federal Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt said the Aged Care Approvals Round had opened this week and we made possible because of the Federal Government’s $5 billion aged care Budget boost.
“This is about providing more local care and supporting residents and communities,” Minister Wyatt said.
“There has never been a better time for existing and potential regional providers to apply to develop or expand aged care operations.
“The Turnbull Government is committed to improving aged care access in regional, rural and remote locations, with these areas now identified as high-need.”
Mr Wyatt said a total of 13,500 new residential care places and 775 short-term restorative care places were on offer across the nation.
He said this was in addition to the $60 million in capital grants for aged care construction and expansion.
“There will be a further $40 million available in 2019 for rural, regional and remote aged care construction,” Minister Wyatt said.
“The Budget also includes a record $105.7 million to expand the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care program in remote communities.”
The 2018-19 ACAR application period is open until 10 August.
Application forms and guidelines are available on the Department of Health website.
