Kiama Council has voted to overturn a decision made earlier this month to sell its aged care business, Blue Haven Illawarra, and replace it with a motion to further explore options.
At an Extraordinary Meeting last night, the majority of Councillors voted in favour of a motion to reverse Council’s previous decision on the Blue Haven sale and replace it with a new motion to develop a consultation plan and further analyse all options of lease, sell, joint venture or retain the business.
Councillors voted to develop and implement a community consultation plan in accordance with the Community Engagement Strategy that includes Blue Haven staff and residents, as well as publicly releasing the background to any proposed divestment of community assets in response to the Strategic Improvement Plan.
The Council committed to ensuring that decisions relating to Blue Haven would see a high standard in quality of care for the residents and families of the Blue Haven Residential Aged Care Facility maintained; and the protection of working environment and conditions for Blue Haven Staff.
Council also resolved to write to the Federal Minister for Aged Care and the relevant NSW Ministers and shadow ministers for advice on potential financial assistance and loans available to aged care providers.
Kiama Mayor, Neil Reilly said while Councillors had been thoroughly briefed on the organisation’s critical financial position, they had also listened to the strong community sentiment about the proposed sale of Blue Haven.
“This is an extremely difficult and complex matter. While the proposed sale of Blue Haven is a key strategy in getting our finances back on track, we are also balancing the views of residents and other stakeholders,” the Mayor said.
