Opal Toukley construction to provide hundreds of jobs

Construction has started on a multimillion-dollar aged care facility that will provide much needed residential aged care and hundreds of construction and ongoing jobs.

Architect’s rendering of the front entrance to Opal Toukley.

• Freak fire leads to fancy new homes for penguins
• Inside Coast’s latest luxury retirment units
• New measles warning after baby diagnosed

Construction has started on a $37 million aged care facility at Toukley which will employ up to 150 people.

The official sod turning at Opal Aged Care’s fifth Central Coast facility took place last week at the site which will have views over Budgewoi and Tuggerah Lakes.

The 125-bed residential aged care home in Main Street will join the company’s other homes at Berkeley Vale, Kanwal (Opal Glenmere), Killarney Vale and Norah Head.

Opal Aged care said the facility would provide high quality, affordable care in a choice of single rooms with ensuites or companion rooms.

The building has been designed with spacious outdoor areas, including shaded balconies and gardens, an alfresco dining area with an outdoor kitchen and BBQ, and underground parking for visitors.

Opal Toukley Floor plan.

Inside there will be a central social hub with a cafe, buffet dining areas and a music room with a grand piano.

A dedicated Opal bus will be available to residents to enjoy outings and participating in community activities.

When it is operating at full capacity, the new care home will employ around 150 team members in a variety of roles, including registered nurses, enrolled nurses, assistants in nursing, lifestyle team, personal care assistants, chef, cook and kitchen team, allied health roles, administration, maintenance and general service officers.

The sod turn was done Central Coast Mayor Jane Smith who said the new care home would provide much needed aged care services to the local community.

Opal Toukley Central Coast Mayor Jane Smith looks at the plans during the sod turning ceremony last week.

“Opal Toukley is an investment in a better future for our elders and our growing community. the population of the Central Coast is set to grow by 70,000 by 2036, which means we will need increased services and specialist support, particularly in health services and quality aged care,” Ms Smith said.

Marie Barter, Regional General Manager of Opal NSW North, spoke of the need for greater access to quality aged care services for the local community.

“We are delighted to be turning the first sod at Toukley today as it will enable us to better serve the people of the Central Coast, where the need for residential aged care is growing. It will also provide local employment for around 800 people during construction, with a site team of 150 people at its peak.

“At Opal, we are committed to continually improving the experience of our current and future residents, particularly people who are living with dementia. This means offering care homes Where our elders can live with purpose, respect and dignity — which are vital to whole of person wellness — underpinned by excellent clinical care.

Opal Toukley is expected to be completed in September 2020.