Council has provided preliminary approval for the construction of Stage 1 of the Mossman and District Aged Care precinct in Johnston Road.

The preliminary approval includes a development permit for the 42-bed retirement facility and for the balanced portion of the land and reconfiguration of one lot into two lots to facilitate the retirement facility of Stage 1 of the precinct.

Stage 2 is earmarked as a retirement facility that features an activities building, a community wellness centre, approximately 60 private suites and a low-care and independent living precinct over the balance of the land.

A Council spokesperson said approval is the culmination of 20 years of hard work by the Mossman District Nursing Home Committee, Council and more recently, The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus, who will operate the facility.

“This represents a remarkable achievement for our community and everyone who has contributed to the project in some way; from the MDNHC volunteers who baked cakes and sold raffle tickets; to the Council and The Salvation Army staff who have worked so diligently to obtain the necessary approvals.

“The path is now clear for The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus to build this vital community asset, which is expected to deliver an estimated 41 construction jobs annually over two years, with an estimated 27 full-time employees once it is operational,” said the Council spokesperson.