Community feedback refines plans for proposed Moruya seniors’ living community

Community feedback is helping shape plans for a proposed seniors’ living community in Moruya, with IRT refining its draft masterplan in response to issues raised by local residents.

IRT is progressing plans for vacant land at 11 Spencer Street, Moruya, with the intention of creating a regional seniors’ living hub that supports ageing in place while delivering broader social benefits for the community.

The proposal is classified as a State Significant Development and includes a mix of residential aged care, retirement living and dedicated key worker accommodation. The masterplan also features shared amenities such as a village green, café and clubhouse, which are intended to be accessible to the wider community.

IRT CEO Ross Gallagher said feedback gathered through a community drop-in session and online webinar held in August last year had directly influenced changes to the draft design.

“As a community-owned organisation, listening to local voices is central to how we plan,” Mr Gallagher said.

“The Moruya community provided considered and constructive feedback, and that has helped us refine the masterplan, particularly around privacy, traffic, landscaping and sustainability.”

Key refinements include limits on building heights, with villas remaining at one to two storeys and the residential care home and apartment buildings capped at three to four storeys. Building orientation and setbacks have also been adjusted to reduce overlooking of neighbouring properties.

The updated plan includes enhanced landscaping and screening along site boundaries, along with revised internal road layouts and access points from Spencer Street and Francis Street to improve traffic flow and safety.

IRT is also exploring a range of sustainability initiatives, including solar panels, rainwater harvesting and greater use of native and drought-tolerant landscaping. The inclusion of on-site worker accommodation has been confirmed, aimed at addressing local housing shortages and supporting workforce attraction and retention.

Mr Gallagher said the project remains focused on delivering long-term benefits for Moruya.

“Aged care and retirement living shouldn’t operate in isolation. Our goal is to help older people stay connected to their community as their needs change, while also contributing to local jobs and shared spaces that bring people together,” he said.

“We’re committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive place that supports older Australians to live well and remain part of the community they value.”

IRT has operated on the South Coast for more than 50 years, and the proposed Moruya development is intended to build on that legacy. 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. IRT will manage all ongoing community engagement as the project moves through the planning and assessment process.

Further enquiries can be directed to 134 478 or community@irt.org.au. 

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