Title outcome good news for aged care

An agreement signed between the State Government and the Rubibi community in October last year has allowed for the residential development of 33 hectares of prime land near Cable Beach, and will also allow for the creation of a 55-bed aged-care facility.

To be developed by LandCorp, it is estimated that between 250 and 280 residential lots will be created, as well as the aged-care centre on a 5ha lot.

Under the agreement, the Rubibi traditional owners are compensated for extinguishment of Native Title over the area by cultural, economic and social benefits, including participation in the subdivision planning and design, preference in public housing allocation, economics benefits and title to the culturally significant area of Kennedy Hill.

Title for the area designated for the aged-care facility was transferred on the condition that it be used for an aged-care facility for 50 years.

At the time, Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the agreement enabled the Rubibi people to participate actively and equally in the economic and cultural development of Broome, while at the same time meeting the urgent need for more residential land in the town.

Lots are expected to be available for purchase late this year.

Kimberley MLA Carol Martin said the agreement had been a long time coming and was excellent news for the aged-care community, which previously had to relocate to other facilities due to lack of capacity in Broome.

Kimberley Land Council executive director Wayne Bergmann said the agreement was a solid building block in the relationship between the Rubibi traditional owners and the state.

A lease has been signed with not-for-profit aged-care provider Southern Cross Care to construct the facility.