Rotary chief backs calls for more aged care

Glen Hay said there has been a shortage of rooms for years, and action needed to be taken sooner rather than later.

GOOD MOVE: Glen Hay has backed the idea of building another aged-care facility in Dalby. Picture: Sam Flanagan

ROTARY president Glen Hay has backed the Western Downs Regional Council's decision to rezone the Horace St Parkland and put it out to tender for an aged-care facility.

Mr Hay said there has been a shortage of rooms for years, and action needed to be taken sooner rather than later.

"I think it's a wonderful idea and I think it's something that Dalby really needs,” Mr Hay said.

"There's a big line-up at the moment and there's going to be a massive demand for it in the future, so get in now.

"There's been demand for some time; there's never been a shortfall.”

Mr Hay didn't mind whether Ningana took up the tender or someone else, suggesting the large-scale facility Dalby needs might need strong financial backing.

"I think it needs to be on a commercial scale so it can happen, it's going to be an expensive project,” he said.

"It will be good to see this happen and there's a massive block of land sitting there doing nothing, so it will be great.”

Last week, the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service, the operator of Karingal, said it would not release the number of elderly on the waiting list for the facility, adding it had no plans to extend its aged-care services in Dalby.

Changing the zoning of the Horace St Parkland is impact assessable, meaning people will be able to have their say on the changes in the coming months. If you have a strong opinion on this issue, email editorial@ dalbyherald.com.au