Community feedback helps refine plans for proposed Moruya seniors’ living community
Community feedback is shaping plans for a proposed seniors’ living community in Moruya, with IRT refining its masterplan in response to ideas raised by local residents.
IRT is developing plans for vacant land at 11 Spencer Street Moruya, with a vision to create a regional seniors’ living hub that supports ageing in place while delivering positive social outcomes for the wider community.
The proposed development is classified as a State Significant Development, incorporating a mix of residential aged care, retirement living and key worker accommodation, in addition to extensive on-site amenities such as a village green, café and clubhouse, which will be open to the local community to enjoy.
IRT CEO Ross Gallagher said community input gathered through a drop-in session and webinar held in August last year has directly informed refinements to the draft masterplan.
“As a community-owned organisation, listening to local voices is fundamental to how we plan for the future,” Mr Gallagher said.
“We’ve heard thoughtful feedback from the Moruya community, and that input has helped us refine aspects of the masterplan to improve privacy, traffic arrangements, landscaping and sustainability outcomes.”
Refinements made in response to community feedback include limits to building heights, with villas remaining at one to two storeys and the residential care home and apartment buildings at three to four storeys, as well as adjustments to building orientation and setbacks to reduce overlooking of neighbouring properties.
Enhanced landscaping and screening have been incorporated along site boundaries, and internal road layouts and access points from Spencer Street and Francis Street have been refined to improve traffic flow and safety.
Sustainability initiatives being explored include solar panels, rainwater harvesting and increased use of native and drought-tolerant landscaping. Dedicated on-site worker accommodation has also been confirmed to help address local workforce housing challenges and support staff attraction and retention.
Mr Gallagher said the proposed development continues to focus on delivering long-term benefits for Moruya.
“Aged care and retirement villages should not exist in silos. Our aim is to support older people to remain connected to their community as their needs change, while contributing to local employment opportunities and shared spaces that encourage connection.
We’re proud to be creating a welcoming, inclusive place that strengthens community resilience and supports older Australians to continue to live well and remain part of the community they love,” Mr Gallagher said.
For more than 50 years, IRT has been part of the South Coast. The proposed Moruya masterplan strengthens that legacy and ensures older Australians can live well, connected, and supported for years to come. A State Significant Development Application is currently being prepared and is expected to be lodged early this year.
Community engagement to date has been supported by an independent engagement specialist, who has now delivered the required community engagement report.