NSW push to combine pokies and aged care housing

NSW licensed clubs could develop housing for seniors on their sites under a NSW government plan.

The Minister for Planning, Frank Sartor, has tabled draft legislation that encourages clubs to expand into aged care by streamlining planning laws. Mr Sartor said it was driven by demand for seniors’ accommodation but agreed clubs stood to benefit.

“A large part of this is about utilising redundant club sites,” he said.

“The issue of providing seniors’ housing is a really important public policy issue.”

Richmond Club, Gosford RSL and Dubbo RSL already have seniors’ accommodation, and Dee Why RSL and Reversby Workers Club are planning to build similar facilities soon under existing laws. However, many clubs have been hindered by zoning that prohibits retirement villages.

Under Mr Sartor’s plan, the default zoning would permit aged care facilities, as long as the club site was not zoned public space.