Kiama Mayor Neil Reilly, Kiama Council CEO Jane Stroud and the executive team will hold a series of meetings with Blue Haven residents and their next of kin, Independent Living Unit residents, Blue Haven staff and Kiama Council staff to share information and discuss the next steps after an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council on Thursday evening (1 February) advanced the sale of the Council-owned facilities.
The Council resolved to decline all tenders for the Blue Haven Bonaira aged care home and enter direct negotiations with the preferred tenderer.
"This process will take five weeks and any draft contract arising from the negotiation with the preferred tenderer will be returned to Council for resolution prior to contract execution," Kiama Council said in a statement.
At the Extraordinary Meeting, motions put forward by Greens Councillor Kathy Rice were defeated and police were called to clear the gallery before Council went into a confidential session.
“This is one of the biggest decisions ever made by Kiama Council and has not been taken lightly. I can honestly say this is the best outcome for Blue Haven residents and loved ones, our community and for Kiama Council. The divestment of Blue Haven Bonaira to the preferred tenderer, who is a registered Aged Care provider, will mean that Council can refocus on the core business of providing local government services, while knowing that we have retained this much loved and valued asset within our community.” Mayor Reilly said.
“Blue Haven is running at a loss, the sale is essential to reduce debt and reduce liquidity, and urgency is required.”
