Tasmania offers 13 government sites for aged care projects

The Tasmanian government has announced it will make 13 government-owned greenfield sites available for the development of new aged care and assisted living facilities. The initiative aims to expand care options for older residents and alleviate pressure on the state's health system.

Health Minister Bridget Archer stated that increasing the availability of aged care beds will help improve patient flow through hospitals by providing suitable care for those who no longer require acute hospital services. This is intended to reduce pressure on emergency departments and inpatient wards. Current estimates suggest approximately 100 patients a day occupy hospital beds while waiting for aged care placements, a situation contributing to hospital bed block.

The government plans to retain land ownership and lease the sites back to providers through long-term peppercorn rent agreements. Interested providers will enter a two-stage expression of interest (EOI) process starting September 26 and closing November 6. Successful providers will be responsible for funding, developing, and operating the facilities. The identified sites include locations such as Wynyard, Bellerive, Kings Meadows, and Taroona, ensuring at least one new development in each region of Tasmania.