The Surf Coast Shire Council has agreed to sell 2,327m2 of land located at 42 Harding Street, Winchelsea, to Winanglo for a nominal fee of $1 so that it can provide sustainable and affordable assisted living homes.
Winanglo Incorporated, a registered charity associated with Corangamite Financial Services, will use the site to create 10 to 12 units for up to 20 older residents or people living with a disability. It will partner with Hesse Rural Health as a health provider to manage the site and any needs of the residents.
Council’s decision to sell the land, which is located on the corner of Harding Street and Hopkins Street, follows a consultation process which drew a supportive community response for the proposal.
Cr Heather Wellington said that the project would allow more people to stay in their community as circumstances change.
“I’m so pleased that Council is able to support this locally driven initiative to help older people and those with a disability to remain in their community, which is a need identified in our Age Friendly Strategy,” she said.
Cr Adrian Schonfelder said as part of the consultation, Council received 250 letters in support of the proposal as well as four supportive submissions from local community organisations and the proponents.
“We also ran a community survey, and of the 58 responses between 75 to 88 per cent were in favour of the different aspects of the proposal given the need for this type of housing,” he said.
By only paying $1, Winanglo will complete the development with equity which it then plans to invest in other community projects in the Winchelsea, Anglesea and Lorne areas.
The sale is subject to specific conditions, including that the development is completed within a reasonable timeframe and that the land will continue to be used for housing for shire-based seniors or people with a disability.
The land was originally owned by the Church of England and in 1977 it was transferred to the Shire of Winchelsea for a nominal price, with the desired use for the site being community purposes.
