The concept of retirement living is evolving, and with it, the expectations of our golden generation are reaching new heights. In a move set to redefine the landscape of senior living, Bushland Health has stepped forward with an ambitious $133-million proposal that promises to create a regional seniors community like no other on the NSW Mid-North Coast.

Nestled in the picturesque town of Taree, just 320km north of Sydney, this proposed development is currently under the scrutiny of the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel. The developers are seeking concept approval for their master plan and detailed consent for the first stage of development.

The location of this proposed village is as strategic as it is scenic. Situated at 494 Wingham Road, the site is west of Taree’s bustling centre. It is bordered by a general residential area and another retirement village, which is also under the Bushland Health umbrella. This proximity to existing communities ensures that residents won't feel isolated but part of a larger, supportive network.

A $133-million seniors community in Taree, NSW, has been proposed by Bushland Health. Credit: Shutterstock

Bushland Health is no stranger to creating environments that cater to the needs of seniors. With facilities such as Bushland Place in Taree and Banyula Village at Old Bar, they have a proven track record in the region. Their latest proposal includes 207 'self-care dwellings', designed as duplexes with two or three bedrooms, offering a blend of privacy and community living.

But what sets this village apart is the comprehensive range of recreation and support services available. Imagine having 24-hour support and emergency response, nursing-care arrangements, and home-delivered meals at your fingertips. Not to mention, assistance with house and garden maintenance can be a godsend for those who wish to enjoy their retirement without the burden of upkeeping a property.

The village is designed to be more than just a place to live; it's a community hub where residents can thrive. Each cluster of homes will be complemented by parks, a community centre and cafe, communal sheds, and barbecue shelters, fostering a sense of camaraderie and social engagement. Lifestyle and wellness programs, along with facilities tailored to the interests and needs of seniors, will be integral to the village's ethos.

The master plan is staged to deliver homes in tranches, ensuring a gradual and well-planned development. Additionally, there's an area earmarked for future development use in the southeastern corner next to the properties on Wingham Road. However, this needs to be included in the current development application (DA).

The spotlight on retirement living has intensified this year, with a growing recognition of the need to diversify housing options for seniors. However, concerns have been raised about the lengthy assessment times for retirement planning, particularly in New South Wales. This has been a point of contention for many, as timely approvals are crucial for meeting the housing demands of an aging population.

As we await the planning panel's decision, one can't help but wonder about the potential impact of such a development on the local community and the seniors who may call it home. Will this be the dream retirement village that many have been waiting for? Only time will tell.

Key Takeaways

• Bushland Health has proposed a $133-million seniors community in Taree, NSW, with the plan currently before the regional planning panel.
• The development includes 207 self-care dwellings for seniors, designed as duplexes with two or three bedrooms.
• Recreational and support services, including 24-hour support, emergency response, nursing-care arrangements, and home-delivered meals, will be provided.
• Concerns about retirement planning assessment times in New South Wales have been raised, as retirement living options remain a focus for diversifying housing types.

For readers over 60, the prospect of a new senior village may be exciting. What are your thoughts on this development? Do you see yourself settling down in a community like this, surrounded by modern amenities and a supportive network? Please share your views with us, and let's discuss the future of retirement living.

 

[Jo Piper3]

Read the contract very carefully, taking into consideration the retentions, maintenance fees, etc. and especially the exit fee.

 

[Luckyus]

I thinl I'll get a tent and a hammock and go find a couple ot trees by the river.

 

[novezar]

Read the contract very carefully, taking into consideration the retentions, maintenance fees, etc. and especially the exit fee.

Hi Jo Piper3,
YES, you are so correct. You often read of absolute "Horror" & also shown on tv, stories of crippling exit fees, or resale major problems if you want out. In many cases, residents are so locked in, they just can't afford to move, even if they want too.

 

[novezar]

I thinl I'll get a tent and a hammock and go find a couple by the river.

Hi Luckyus,

Just out of curiosity, what couple of what are you going to find down by the river ?

I'd be very interested to know. If it's going to be fun, I might join you in an adventure.

 

[Luckyus]

Hi Luckyus,

Just out of curiosity, what couple of what are you going to find down by the river ?

I'd be very interested to know. If it's going to be fun, I might join you in an adventure.

Trees to sling mu hammock across.

 

[Dynamo]

I would prefer being in a more general community with mixed age group.

 

[Hollingworthlake]

What I particularly dislike about these ‘villages’ is the restrictions attached to many of them. The developers of these laces obviously are making a pretty packet or they wouldn’t be invoked in promoting so many. Potential residents shout carefully consider the rules and get a lawyer to go through any restrictions with you. In particular any exit fees and restrictions on future selling if you want to. Also consider conditions around having pets, grandchildren and friends staying. Better to know what you are taking on then find out when it’s too late as many have done

 

[Bridget Williams]

Just hope the government gets around to sorting out the problems that already exists amongst Self Care Aged Villages run by businesses before this gets off the ground. Or better still insist this sort of thing is run by the Housing Trust, and rented out instead of having to be bought into. I have a friend who is locked into one of these. Her husband knew he was soon to die so wanted to make sure she would be financially secure and not be alone. The only advantage I can see is there is a community hall in the village where they all meet up once, or maybe twice, a week. But having bought (or more like paid into) the unit she has to pay out more than $500 a fortnight of ongoing fees for gardening and upkeep of her unit and the entire complex. Then, when she eventually vacates the premises, all she (or her family) is entitled to is the initial money her husband paid to own the building. No interest because over the time she has lived there the building has gone up in value. It is a big fiddle! She would be better off in a Housing Trust Unit paying rent; at least she would have money in her bank (instead of someone else's) to help her with living expenses.

 

[novezar]

Just hope the government gets around to sorting out the problems that already exists amongst Self Care Aged Villages run by businesses before this gets off the ground. Or better still insist this sort of thing is run by the Housing Trust, and rented out instead of having to be bought into. I have a friend who is locked into one of these. Her husband knew he was soon to die so wanted to make sure she would be financially secure and not be alone. The only advantage I can see is there is a community hall in the village where they all meet up once, or maybe twice, a week. But having bought (or more like paid into) the unit she has to pay out more than $500 a fortnight of ongoing fees for gardening and upkeep of her unit and the entire complex. Then, when she eventually vacates the premises, all she (or her family) is entitled to is the initial money her husband paid to own the building. No interest because over the time she has lived there the building has gone up in value. It is a big fiddle! She would be better off in a Housing Trust Unit paying rent; at least she would have money in her bank (instead of someone else's) to help her with living expenses.

Hi Bridget Williams,

Yes, as said, there are many horror stories abound with these establishments.
The way the contracts are written, you'd have to be a 'Rhode Island" scholar to understand & comprehend the complexities of the details therein.

 

[Towing]

What I particularly dislike about these ‘villages’ is the restrictions attached to many of them. The developers of these laces obviously are making a pretty packet or they wouldn’t be invoked in promoting so many. Potential residents shout carefully consider the rules and get a lawyer to go through any restrictions with you. In particular any exit fees and restrictions on future selling if you want to. Also consider conditions around having pets, grandchildren and friends staying. Better to know what you are taking on then find out when it’s too late as many have done

A retirement village you don't sell your "dwelling". The owners of the village do. Exit fees aren't the only issue. Some owners take their time refurbishing it for re-sale which means you wait longer for your refund. It can be months before they even start.Some your maintenance fee covers your water rates, others it doesn't. One I had a look at you have to keep paying rates, taxes etc until it is sold. Some you stop paying maintenance fees when you vacate, it's inspected and the keys are handed back to the owner.

 

[Gsr]

Not the sort of place hubby and I would ever consider, too many fees, restrictions. Bit like the private ”gated“ housing areas where you can buy a home but there are corporate fees as well as all sorts of other miscellaneous fees for this and that. So you end up paying your mortgage plus feathering some other rich persons nest who owns the housing corporation.