Berrigan Shire is set to benefit from a $1.25m Commonwealth grant towards the second stage of Finley’s ‘Alumuna’ Active Independent Retirement Village.

Local MP Sussan Ley said financing from the Building Better Regions Fund (Infrastructure Projects stream) will help construct six serviced independent living units and another four one-bedroom serviced apartments.

“This is a really important development, allowing Finley Regional Care to provide low-cost, affordable housing to seniors from our local area.”

“The units provide residents with independent living in maintenance-free, safe accommodation in a caring community, meaning our older citizens can be cared for in their own home as long as they wish to be there.”

Chief Executive Officer of Finley Aged Care, Ben Levesque, said the $2.5m second stage of construction at Alumuna will create 48 jobs during the build and ten extra jobs on completion, producing $3 million in expected flow on benefits to Berrigan Shire.

“The 6-star rated environmentally friendly homes are designed within Liveable Housing Design Guidelines, which meet the changing needs of home occupants across their lifetime. The units also source their own power using solar generation and battery storage.”

Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the project will deliver significant economic and social benefits to the local community.

“Under round two of the Building Better Regions Fund (Infrastructure Projects stream) the Coalition Government is investing well over $200 million in 136 projects with a total leveraged project value of $459 million.”

“A further $200 million was announced in the 2018-19 Budget for a third round of the Building Better Regions Fund, which is expected to open later this year; a clear indication of the Coalition Government’s commitment to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities into the future,” Dr McVeigh said.