“Alternate aged care provider” wants to operate Feros Village Byron Bay

The NSW Department of Planning & Environment (Crown Lands) is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for a new business to take over Feros Village Byron Bay, 772km north of Sydney. Minister for Crown Lands Steve Kamper said the EOI was “warranted as an alternate aged care provider has come forward to signal their interest in operating the site”. We have previously reported that Apollo Care had been approached to take over the site. In reaction to the EOI announcement, Feros Care said in a statement it welcomed the process but it “in no way” ensured the “eight residents who are refusing to leave” would be able to stay should an alternate operator for the site be found.

“Feros Care has repeatedly asserted to government authorities that the reason for the closure is the facility in Byron Bay, which was built as a low care hostel, is unsuitable and unsafe to remain as a government funded residential aged care facility,” the Not For Profit Feros Care said.

“We will review the Expression of Interest though our position remains unchanged, that the site in its current form is not suitable for government-funded residential aged care due to our obligations under the Aged Care Act, and the planning and zoning constraints. “Feros Care remains concerned for the expectations and wellbeing of the remaining eight residents who are clinically at risk and are refusing to be re-homed in government approved facilities. Despite this Feros Care has received regular assurances from the government regulator ACQSC that we are handling the closure appropriately and safely.” Feros Care has revealed it wants to redevelop the aged care site. The SOURCE: The sooner this can be resolved to the satisfaction of all parties, the better.