As we covered here, Signature dialled back its plans for a 144-bed aged care facility after Goulburn Council pushed for a 50% higher than average infrastructure charge. Now the provider has pulled the plug on the project entirely – but CEO Graeme Croft tells us that many Councils have incentives for development – particularly in regional areas – of up to 50% – and their 16-home development pipeline is a case in point.
Their recently opened 144-bed aged care home in Langwarrin (pictured above) in Victoria has already attracted 40 residents in its first 30 days of operation.
Signature is also in the final completion stages with recruitment underway for its 144-bed Jimboomba home (due to open in February 2021) (pictured right) and its 144-bed Narangba home (to open March 2021) in Queensland.
Also, in the pipeline:
- 180 beds at Tinana in Queensland which has commenced earthworks with completion expected in March 2022
- 144 beds in Wagga Wagga NSW which has also commenced earthworks with completion scheduled for 2022.
- 144 beds in Singleton WA, which has started earthworks.
- 144 beds at Officer in Victoria which has begun construction.
- 144 beds in Grafton NSW which will complete earthworks in 2021.
Signature also has a number of homes awaiting DA approval including:
- 144 beds at Warragul, Victoria.
- 120 beds at Romsey, Victoria.
- 144 beds at Eagelby, QLD.
- 144 beds at Tamworth, NSW.
- 144 beds at Dawesville, WA.
- 144 beds at South Bunbury, WA.
Graeme says all 16 homes will operate under the Signature Care brand with all 2,200 beds to be online within three years.
“We will have most advanced facilities of any operator in Australia,” he said.
In total, Signature currently has three homes at or near completion, four homes under construction and two homes at earthworks stage.
There is also still hope that the Goulburn facility will still get up. Signature has been advised that there is another Council election next September and the provider should apply for a reduction after this.
Watch this space then.
