FRANK Nelson, 87, isn’t planning to give up his active lifestyle, or his jetski, any time soon. But if poor health ever slows him down, he’d like to be able to stay in the retirement community he calls home.
THE GOOD LIFE: Currimundi retirement village resident Frank Nelson is glad IRT is building another aged care community.That’s why Mr Nelson is pleased IRT is building a healthcare facility as part of its $40 million development at Kawana Forest – IRT Woodlands.
Located close to the Kawana Health Precinct, IRT Woodlands will include 24-hour healthcare for dementia sufferers and residents with high care needs at a 60-bed facility, as well as 107 independent lifestyle villas.
Construction of IRT Woodlands started in January and the first stage, including 10 units and the care facility, is due for completion in March next year. The entire development is scheduled for completion at the end of 2016.
Mr Nelson has lived at IRT Parklands’ retirement community in Currimundi for two years, and loved it, he said.
“It’s very happy living and there’s nice people and good friends.
“With the new Kawana Forest setup, that’ll give residents an option to remain living in an IRT community when they require more support,” Mr Nelson said.
IRT Queensland general manager Lance Taylor said more than 200 expressions of interest had been received for IRT Woodlands.
The proximity of the site to the new Kawana Health Precinct was a key factor when deciding on a location, he said.
“It was a big consideration for us – getting something that was close to the new hospital. Our ageing population is in need of medical facilities.”
The new development will be landscaped in tropical Queensland style, include a resort-style pool and be bounded by bushland on one side, Mr Taylor said.
IRT Woodlands will help meet a shortage in retirement living places identified by the Property Council and reported in the Daily last month. An extra 56,100 retirees are expected to live on the Sunshine Coast in the next 20 years, according to the recent PwC and Property Council Retirement Census.
