Development Application

Our response to the Council’s determination with respect to the Development Application for the Sargood Centre was lodged just before Christmas.  Indications from Council are that the changes proposed by our architects (to deal with a relatively minor matter concerning a pine tree) will be viewed favourably. Once the Council has formally responded to our application, we will be in a position to submit a range of changes to the internal layout, that will deliver a more functional and suitable service than the original designs would allow.

We have been able to return to some of the original design concepts that provide greater functionality within the individual rooms by:

• increasing the size of individual rooms;
• ensuring privacy within the units for the residents;
• providing greater capacity for the inclusion of family members; and
  
• defining the common areas of the building in a manner that will increase the opportunities for both transitional and respite support.
  

These changes will allow us to significantly improve both the experience and outcomes for our clients, by seamlessly incorporating our wide range of innovative support services including employment, exercise, living skills and rehabilitation therapy. 

Partnerships and funding

Recent conversations between government members, funding partners and service provision partners have been positive. The Health Minister has overriding responsibility for the Health Administration Corporation, the original owners of the land.  Recent conversations have centered around the requirement in the original sale documents for a new service to be functionally operational on the site by December 2009.  As this now appears to be impractical given the delays in the project, the Minister has been approached to determine the best way forward, given this constraint.  We are currently working with the Minister’s office on a positive way forward and expect that we will be able to provide further details in late February.