Two years ago, Marinna farmer Adrian Eisenhauer used his citizen of the year speech to call to a retirement village.

A committed group of residents banded together and have brought that idea closer to reality. The committee has started to prepare paperwork to sub-divide the land into lots for independent living.

The Junee Lifestyle Village committee have secured 10 acres, near Burns Park and John Potts Drive.

“We’re hopeful someone will be keen to grab it and run with it,” committee member Michael Commins said.

“The committee’s job now is to solicit interest from developers.

“We may get to full-care eventually but our goal is independent living. There is potential for 50 lots.”

Mr Commins said a commercial or not-for-profit developer would be the ideal partner to create the Junee Lifestyle Village.

He credited the good work by committee members who had contributed to get the project to the point of securing land for a future development.

“It’s a gentle walk into town for groceries or medical appointments,” Mr Commins said.

“The landholder was happy to work with us knowing we are working towards the goal of a self-care retirement village.”

Mr Eisenhauer said he wanted to see families stay together and not move to other towns or cities.

“It has the potential to keep our senior residents in their community, the community they’ve learned, loved and lived in,” he said.

“It’s the opportunity for shire residents to live locally and retire gracefully in a familiar environment.

“It’s a tremendous opportunity for the community and the location lends itself to peace and quiet, relaxation and still within the town limits. It’s freedom to live in the community without worrying about a property, big house or other issues.”