Long-awaited Casa Mia development opens its doors after almost five-year closure

The long-awaited refurbishment of a former aged care facility in southwest Queensland has been completed as it opened its doors to five new million-dollar units. FULL STORY.

Casa Mia independent living aged care facility has reopened after receiving a $2.65 million-dollar refurbishment. Photo: Goondiwindi Regional Council

The closure of a rural southern Queensland community’s only aged care facility within 90km sparked major controversy, but now almost five years later it has reopened after receiving a million-dollar face lift.

Casa Mia, formerly known as Churches of Christ Aged Care Facility in Inglewood, has now received five newly refurbished independent living units, after the tender was secured by ICM Constructions for the $2.26 million-dollar project in mid-2024.

The 11-bed facility had served the community since 1995 before its closure in 2020, with the Churches of Christ citing “a number of challenges” that led to the decision to cease operations.

It was the Inglewood Aged Care Steering Committee who after consultation with the local community decided the best course of action was to deliver an independent living model rather than high care which was determined to be unviable.

The Inglewood aged care facility, known as Casa Mia has reopened five refurbished independent living units after the facility closed in 2020.

Housing Minister Sam O’Connor and Goondiwindi mayor Lawrence Springborg officially opened the site’s five newly refurbished independent living units on February 22.

In a statement Mr Springborg said the milestone culminated more than four years of work and commitment to the project.

“It has been a long road, but we can celebrate a facility that truly supports the independence and dignity of our elderly residents,” he said.

While the Queensland government contributed $1.5m, the remaining cost to council will be offset and minimised by rental income and revenue opportunities from the remaining land.

“The dedication and commitment of the committee members was absolutely essential to getting where we are today,” Mr Springborg said.

“We are also immensely grateful to the Queensland government for its support of this project.”

Tenancy applications are now open for Casa Mia and as a Queensland government funded project, it is subject to state government conditions regarding rental value and eligible tenancy which can be found on the Goondiwindi Regional Council website.