IRT Submits DA for Marco Polo upgrade

IRT has taken a significant step towards renovating and refurbishing the Marco Polo Unanderra Aged Care Centre with the submission of a Development Application (DA) this week.

The initiative is bolstered by a $15.8 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Aged Care Capital Assistance Program, announced by Minister for Aged Care and Sport, the Hon Anika Wells MP, on 5 September.

The project aims to provide additional aged care beds in the Illawarra region, addressing the increasing demand for services due to significant population ageing. IRT CEO Patrick Reid expressed gratitude for the grant, stating it will facilitate the upgrade of the Unanderra site by adding 48 much-needed beds for dementia and high-acuity patients.

“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.

He highlighted the broader benefits of the project, noting, “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 emphasised that providing aged care beds not only offers residents a more comfortable living environment than hospitals but also alleviates costs for the region’s health services.

“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,” he added.

The project signifies a crucial advancement in IRT’s commitment to enhancing residential aged care services in the Illawarra, particularly for older individuals with elevated care needs, including those living with dementia. Marco Polo joined IRT in July 2023 to ensure the future stability of its residential aged care centres and home care services in Unanderra and Woonona.

The funding will support the refurbishment of Cordeaux Lodge, which currently accommodates 80 residents, and the restoration of the closed St Luke’s and St John’s nursing homes, adding 30 high-care suites and 18 secure memory support suites to the region’s offerings. These wings, built in the 1980s, were officially closed in March 2023, following a two-year cessation of new admissions, due to accommodation standards that no longer met residents’ needs.

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

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