This operator wanted 72 new beds to replace 61 beds dating back to 1973, but the $24 million construction cost jumped to $53 million while locals can only afford a $300,000 RAD.

Stand-alone Not For Profit Wongaburra Society, based in Beaudesert, 75km south of Brisbane – which has 125 beds across two homes – had wanted to demolish its existing 50-year-old 61-bed facility and build a new 72-bed facility.