NSW government to hand over Garrawarra aged care at Waterfall

The New South Wales government has moved to sell or lease to a private operator, the public-owned Garrawarra Centre for aged care at Waterfall.

Some of its expansive grounds may be deemed surplus to health requirements and sold off separately.

Families with relatives in the centre have been “rocked” by the decision, which comes on the 100th anniversary of its establishment as a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients.

Rebuilt several years ago, it now has 120 beds and specialises in caring for dementia sufferers.

Health Minister, John Della Bosca, said the transfer of 11 government-owned nursing homes was foreshadowed in last year’s mini-budget and expressions of interest were called last week.

“If the proposals don’t deliver positive outcomes for residents, their families, staff, the health system and the community as a whole, they won’t be accepted,” he said.

Cronulla MP, Malcolm Kerr, said many millions of dollars had been poured into the centre by successive governments.

“This government stands to inherit a fortune from the sale of this valuable site and its facilities,” he said.

Mr Della Bosca said, if the transfer went ahead, proceeds would be redirected to other health services.

The centre was on land owned by the Health Department, but the cemetery was zoned Crown land.

Some of the site could be be considered surplus and be sold or leased separately in the future.

“In Australia, the majority of aged-care facilities are operated by the non-government sector, with funds from the Commonwealth,” he said.

“Applicants will be assessed on a range of factors, including their record in providing quality aged care, in accordance with federal and state legislative requirements, as well as their capacity to meet any special care requirements of residents.”