Council commits to Casa Mia for the future

Goondiwindi Regional Council decided today to approve the freehold purchase of the Queensland government's 2.237 hectares of Casa Mia land for $170,000 (plus expenses), and to increase its investment to $1.3m to develop the site.  

The Mayor of Goondiwindi Regional Council, the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM, said this is an excellent outcome for the community.

"Additional external funding is still required to complete the project in full, and Council has submitted an application to the Queensland Government which is progressing. However, this continuing financial assurance from Council demonstrates our commitment to supporting our vulnerable Inglewood and district residents' access to affordable housing suitable to their needs.

“The purchase of the land as freehold is an important step forward, removing the previous ‘aged care facility only’ lease conditions, and allowing the site as whole to be considered for community use.  This is a good strategic purchase for Council and owning the land freehold reduces risk to ratepayers.

“I would like to thank the Inglewood Aged Care Steering Committee again for their passion, dedication and patience to exploring options for the site. It hasn't been a quick process, but the outcome will support affordable housing for older persons in our community for decades.

“Residents of Inglewood petitioned Council following the closure of the former Casa Mia operations in late 2020 to take action. I am proud of the team at Council that have committed to this project and look forward to when the repurposed facility will be up and running again,” said the Mayor.

Upon completion, the proposal will see the former aged care facility converted to five (5) independent and assisted living units. In addition, Council will undertake property management responsibilities, with rental income and capital growth to offset operational costs. As independent living units, individual residents could then engage a Home Care provider directly for their needs.