Illoura, Ningana, and Taralga retirement villages receive Federal Government grants to expand and upgrade facilities

A Western Downs retirement village will enjoy a $14 million Federal Government investment to expand their facilities, while residents of Tara’s aged care facility are in despair following the closure of their home.

EXPANSION AND UPGRADE: Illoura aged care facility in Chinchilla was one of three retirement villages that received funding from the federal government to expand. Picture: File

While elderly Tarcoola residents continue to plead with council to stop the closure of their retirement facility, three Western Downs nursing homes will expand and house new residents courtesy of Federal Government assistance.

Member for Maranoa David Littleproud announced Chinchilla’s Illoura Village, Ningana in Dalby, and Taralga in Jandowae would receive funding to reinforce the future of care for seniors in his electorate.

These upgrades come after Western Downs Regional Council voted to close Tara’s aged care facility based on “legal and clinical advice,” due to a lack of staff.

Taralga Retirement Village in Jandowae. Picture: Facebook

This shock decision has forced Tarcoola residents to change their life plans as they prepare to move hundreds of kilometres away from loved ones and family.

“It’s a tragedy when our seniors are forced to move away from their rural community and everything they’ve ever known to a larger town or city to receive care as their needs change,” Mr Littleproud said.

Illoura Village providers Southern Cross Care Queensland will use their $14 million capital grant to transform their current 66 bed facility into a contemporary home supporting up to 81 residents, including a dedicated dementia care home.

Eight additional aged care places in Ningana have been supported through the Federal Government’s Aged Care Approvals Round as well, while Taralga received $41,630 to upgrade the village’s outdoor space.

Lorna Apelt outside of Ningana village in Dalby. Picture: Contributed

Mr Littleproud said funding for these projects would make sure the region’s seniors could age in their home towns close to the support of their family and friends, with facilities available to support them.

“It offers peace-of-mind and security not only for local residents already in care, but also those who are carefully considering the next phase of their life,” he said.

The controversial decision to close Tarcoola has been a major point of discussion between the Federal Government and the council.

Mayor Paul McVeigh sensationally claimed the government held “all of the cards” to keep the facility open, while Mr Littleproud said the Federal Government had provided options to council prevent the closure.

Originally published as Illoura, Ningana, and Taralga retirement villages receive Federal Government grants to expand and upgrade facilities