Work ploughs ahead at new Fassifern Aged Care Service development

The $23.3 million project is the largest development currently underway in the Scenic Rim.

Throughout construction it will provide approximately 600 jobs for tradespeople, which will be sourced locally and from the region where possible. When complete it will boost the number of high-quality residential aged care services available for seniors and their families.

Churches of Christ in Queensland Executive Director of Services Bryan Mason said the new development will include a new 64-bed residential aged care facility, landscaped gardens, a central courtyard and a man-made lake.

“The project builder, NCM, has undertaken significant work to prepare the site for construction,” Mr Mason said.
“The site footprint currently encompasses 8.6 hectares. 70,000m3 of soil has been excavated and relocated onsite to fill in the existing 30,000 kilolitre dam and establish a new 80,000 kilolitre lake.

The project has given careful consideration to the local environment in its design and the impact of construction on fauna onsite from the outset.

“The building design will capture the essence of the surrounds and provide residents with access to their local environment,” Mr Mason said.

“Landscaping and gardens will draw on what best suits the local area. By the time the project is complete 100 native trees will have been planted.

“In April, when work commenced, a licensed flora and fauna spotter was onsite and safely relocated 116 animals including turtles, carp, eels, common bearded dragons and two red-bellied black snakes.”
Completion of construction of the building is planned for late-July 2020 and with first residents’ to be welcomed early September 2020.

Once the new building is complete and residents and staff have relocated, the old building will be demolished (this is expected between October and December 2020) and the area will be landscaped, until a decision is made for the best use of the land.

“Integral to the new aged care facility is the organisation’s cottage model of care design that supports positive wellbeing for residents and staff to deliver their care,” Mr Mason said.

“The cottage model of care has been adopted across all new Churches of Christ Care residential aged care developments. It creates a warm, home-like feel with separate areas, while providing as much care and support as needed.

“Each cottage at the Fassifern service will have 16 private rooms, each with an ensuite, and a variety of lounge, living and dining areas and access to outside spaces.

“The service will be equipped with the latest technologies to support clinical and personal care in a modern environment, yet its unique cottage design will maintain its homelike feel.”

The Boonah Campus has an existing 81-bed residential aged care service and retirement village comprising 47 units. The campus has a proud and longstanding history of serving the local community.

The new aged care service replaces an existing nursing home which currently contains 40 beds and has a number of limitations restricting its ability to accommodate growing needs.

“By the time the Fassifern development is complete, Churches of Christ Care will have invested $115 million into new aged care developments across Queensland in Boonah, Warwick, Stanthorpe and the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Mason said.

 “The people of Fassifern and the Scenic Rim are at the heart of delivering this project.

“Supporting seniors to stay in their hometowns as they age where they can be close to and part of their community, loved ones and friends while accessing high-quality, personal aged care is incredibly important.”