Uralla Shire Council will lodge a concept development application (DA) for a staged expansion of McMaugh Gardens Aged Care Home, increasing capacity from 36 to 50 beds.
The proposal responds to growing demand for residential aged care in the Uralla district and aligns with council’s commitment to supporting an accessible, inclusive and healthy community.
The staged approach would allow the expansion to proceed subject to funding availability, while strengthening council’s ability to compete for future Commonwealth aged care grants.
Uralla Shire Mayor Robert Bell said the decision was about positioning council to deliver improved aged care services when funding opportunities arise.
“McMaugh Gardens is a vital community asset, and Council is committed to planning for its future in a careful, financially responsible way,” Bell said.
“Lodging a Concept DA does not commit Council to construction, but it does ensure we are ready when grant funding becomes available. Being ‘shovel ready’ significantly strengthens our case with funding bodies.”
Two-stage expansion
The concept DA outlines a two-stage expansion, increasing capacity from 36 to 50 beds.
Stage 1 proposes construction of a new eight-bed dementia care wing, along with supporting internal works and a new laundry. The estimated construction cost for Stage 1 is $1.28 million.
Friends of McMaugh Gardens will contribute up to $700,000 towards Stage 1, including a significant bequest from former resident Keith Fuller.
Council also proposes to fund part of Stage 1 through reallocation of existing capital expenditure, without placing additional pressure on future budgets. Any commitment of funds would be subject to a separate council resolution.
“This project reflects the strength of community support for McMaugh Gardens,” Bell said.
“Thanks to the generosity of the late Keith Fuller and the Friends of McMaugh Gardens, supported by Council’s prudent financial planning, we now have a realistic pathway to commence this important work when the time is right.
“Mr Fuller’s generous legacy will allow McMaugh Gardens to accommodate more residents well into the future.”
Stage 2 would deliver an additional 10 resident rooms and four self-contained units for nurses’ accommodation, subject to future funding and council approval. The preliminary cost estimate for Stage 2 is $2.92 million.
Bell said staging the project would help council manage risk, costs and operational impacts.
“Delivering the project in stages means Council can match construction to funding availability, manage disruption for residents and staff, and ensure each phase is financially sound before proceeding,” he said.
Community engagement will continue throughout the planning process, including information for residents, families, staff and the wider community.
“Our priority is to plan carefully, communicate clearly and ensure that any expansion of McMaugh Gardens is sustainable, high quality and in the best interests of residents both now and into the future,” Bell said.
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