Aged care in Mossman has received a blow after an application for government funding was knocked back.

The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus and Mossman District Nursing Home Incorporated have received feedback from the Department of Health and Ageing as to why their application for a $7.5 million capital grant and $5 million zero real interest loan (ZRIL) to fund the development of a residential aged care facility was declined.

“Up to $150 million was available nationally for ZRIL (zero real interest loans) and up to $58.5 million was available nationally for capital Grants in a highly competitive process,” the Department of Health and Ageing said in a statement.

According to the Salvation Army, of the $58.5 million available nationally only $2.245 million was allocated to Queensland.

However, Sharon Callister, CEO of The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus is confident that a stronger application can be put forward in the next round of funding.

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“The feedback we have received suggests that we have an opportunity to strengthen our application for the next round of funding.” she said.

“By providing more information on our plans to cater for the local population, and in particular the ten places dedicated to meet the needs of local indigenous people, we are confident we can re-apply with a stronger application.”

The need for specialised services to cater for Australia’s multicultural society was also recognised in the aged care reform package released Friday 20 April.

In the ‘Living Longer Living Better’ package the Government has allocated $192 million towards supporting older Australians from diverse backgrounds to access aged care services.

“We are committed to this development and will continue to work with DoHA and Mossman District Nursing Home Incorporated to re-apply during the next round of funding,” Ms Callister said.

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