Years of deliberation has paid off for staff and residents at Junee's Cooinda Court as at this morning, the state government announced the transfer of property at unimproved land value.
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"It's been a long and tiring process," said Patricia Butler, Cooinda Court chairperson.
"But it's so fantastic for the town that we've been able to purchase this land now."
Prior to the announcement, the property was leased by Murrumbidgee Local Health District under long-term lease.
But with that lease due to expire in October of this year, staff and residence faced a season of insecurity.
"The residents were facing some dark times before this announcement," said Ms Butler.
"It will give us more freedom and the ability to expand, and it makes homes secure for the residents, who can stay in their familiar environment in the town that many of them have grown up in.
"They have mostly all grown up together and they are long term friends. So this makes it more stable and secure."
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Currently, the facility is at its capacity, with 22 residents. But, upgrades to the existing complex made possible through a federal grant has led to the discussion of a possible eight-bed expansion.
"This acquisition of the land allows us to move forward and now consider the further expansion of Cooinda Court, meeting the needs of aging members of our community,” said Ms Butler.
It will continue to be run by a non-profit community board, once the sale is finalised in the first weeks of March.
“The local community has made a considerable investment in this facility, in time, effort and resources, and this decision provides certainty for the future for local families,” Ms Butler said.
