SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Residential Aged Care Facility ......2.4 Centres and Services ... The residential care facility occupies a site identified for this purpose in the Stockland

55 MOUNTAIN STREET BROADWAY NSW ~ PO BOX 438 BROADWAY NSW 2007 ~ TELEPHONE [02] 9211 4099 FAX [02] 9211 2740

EMAIL: [email protected] ~ WEB SITE: www.bbcplanners.com.au

ABN 24 061 868 942

SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Residential Aged Care Facility

Lot 2890 in DP 1230906 Northbourne Drive

Marsden Park NSW 2765

Prepared for Opal Aged Care

By BBC Consulting Planners

Job No. 19-065 Social Impact Assessment.docx

October 2019

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................1 1.1 Purpose of the SIA ......................................................................................... 1

1.2 Social Impact Assessment Methodology ..................................................... 2

2. THE SITE AND ITS SURROUNDING PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL CONTEXT ..3 2.1 The site ........................................................................................................... 3

2.2 The Surrounding Context .............................................................................. 3

2.2.1 General Observations ....................................................................................... 3

2.2.2 To the north ....................................................................................................... 4

2.2.3 To the west ........................................................................................................ 4

2.2.4 To the south ...................................................................................................... 4

2.2.5 To the east ........................................................................................................ 4

2.3 Indicative Layout Plan ................................................................................... 4

2.4 Centres and Services .................................................................................... 6

2.5 Access ............................................................................................................ 6

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSAL ..............................................................8 3.1 Operational Management .............................................................................. 9

3.2 Community Services and Capacity to Meet Demand .................................. 9

4. ASSESSMENT OF NEED .............................................................................. 11 4.1 Blacktown City Population Growth ............................................................ 11

4.1.1 Recent Growth ................................................................................................ 11

4.1.2 Population Forecast ........................................................................................ 11

4.2 Marsden Park Population ............................................................................ 12

4.2.1 Current Situation ............................................................................................. 12

4.2.2 Population Forecast ........................................................................................ 13

5. THE NEED FOR SENIORS ACCOMMODATION .......................................... 15 5.1 Australia’s Ageing Population .................................................................... 15

5.2 Seniors Housing SEPP ................................................................................ 15

5.3 Blacktown City Ageing Profile 2012+ ......................................................... 16

5.4 Financially and Socially Disadvantaged Residents and Costs ................ 17

6. SOCIAL IMPACT EVALUATION ................................................................... 18

7. CONCLUSION ................................................................................................ 21

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose of the SIA

This Social Impact Assessment (SIA) has been prepared for Opal Aged Care to accompany a development application for a new residential aged care facility at Lot 2890 in Deposited Plan 1230906 on Northbourne Drive, Marsden Park. The proposal will provide a high-quality, high-amenity, well-designed, 24/7 aged care facility for the frail, aged and people living with dementia. Opal Aged Care is seeking to develop the site (which is currently a vacant lot within a recent subdivision) for the purpose of a new 148 bed, two storey residential aged care facility (RACF) with associated support services.

This SIA supports the development application in accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Section 4.15 establishes the requirement for an assessment of social impacts as follows:

“In determining a development application, a consent authority is to take into consideration such of the following matters as are of relevance to the development the subject of the development application:

…

(b) the likely impacts of that development, including environmental impacts on both the natural and built environments, and social and economic impacts in the locality”.

In the applicant’s Pre-Application Meeting (PAM #: C19/26822) with Blacktown City Council, Council requested the applicant undertake a Social Impact Assessment.

“1. Social Impact Assessment

The applicant must submit a Social Impact Assessment with the development application showing the demand for the proposed development, the design and fit with the local character of the area, likely positive and negative impacts that may result from the development over time, how the development protects the amenity of residents and people in neighbouring properties.”

The SIA has been prepared in accordance with this request. Specifically the SIA considers the key demographic and economic characteristics of the area and includes an assessment of the proposal in relation to the existing social environment and possible changes as a result of the proposed development (predicted impacts) (i.e. on the local area/neighbouring properties and the living environment created for older people).


1.2 Social Impact Assessment Methodology

Social impact assessment is the analysis of social changes and impacts on a community that are likely to occur as a result of a particular development, planning scheme or government policy decision.

There are many definitions of social impacts. Two definitions suitable to the present assessment are:

Significant events experienced by people as changes in one or all of the following:

• Peoples way of life – how they live, work, play and interact with one another on a day to day basis.

• Their culture – shared beliefs, customs and values. • Their community – its cohesion, stability, character, services and facilities.1

and

• By social impacts we mean the consequences to human populations of any public or private actions that alter the ways in which people live, work, play, relate to one another, organize to meet their needs and generally cope as members of society. The term also includes cultural impacts involving changes to the norms, values, and beliefs that guide and rationalize their cognition of themselves and their society.2

This SIA provides a background to the proposal, outlines potential issues, identifies likely impacts on the social environment. The assessment has reviewed relevant social and community planning documents to consider issues relevant to the proposed development. The demographic data presented in this report is primarily based upon data provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census of Population and Housing 2011 and 2016, supplemented by additional information where available. Unless otherwise stated, data from the Census is based on place of usual residence. The data used is the best available and remains an accurate basis on which to base the analysis in this SIA.

1 “Social Impact Assessment for Local Government: A Handbook for Councillors. Town Planners and Social Planners” (1995) NSW Office of Social Policy.

2 “Principles and guidelines for social impact assessment in the USA” by The Interorganizational Committee on Principles and Guidelines for Social Impact Assessment, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, volume 21, number 3, September 2003.


2. The Site and Its Surrounding Physical and Social Context

2.1 The site

The site is located in Stocklands Elara Park residential subdivision, in Sydney’s north west. The site comprises Lot 2890 in DP 1230906 having an area of 1.005 hectares, a frontage to Northbourne Drive of approximately 140 metres, a width of approximately 73.4 metres and a frontage to a future east west collector road of approximately 60 metres. The site is generally rectangular in shape oriented north south.

The site is currently vacant and located in an area in transition from a rural environment to urban as part of the development of the North West Growth Centre. The site is identified on the master plan for the development of the area as a residential aged care facility.

2.2 The Surrounding Context

2.2.1 General Observations The site is located in a rapidly changing context on the northern extent of a master planned urban release area as part of the larger North West Growth Centre (Marsden Park Precinct). Elara Stockland Residential Community, Marsden Park. An extract from the Elara Estate master plan by Stockland is as follows.

Diagram 1 – Extract from Stockland Elara Estate Master Plan


The residential care facility occupies a site identified for this purpose in the Stockland master plan and is part of Stage 28 of Precinct 3.

2.2.2 To the north

The site is at the northern end of the Elara Estate. To the north of the site is a planned collector road presently partially under construction and located on the adjoining Clydesdale Estate. Land to the north of the site is identified for medium density housing with a maximum building height of 14 metres and a minimum residential density control of 25 dwelling units per hectare

2.2.3 To the west Adjacent to the site to the west is a proposed new Marsden Park public school intended to accommodate up to 1,000 students in three storey buildings having a height of approximately 13 metres. Main entry, some parking and drop offs are planned to occur from Northbourne Drive. South of the school is a local park site.

2.2.4 To the south Adjoining the site to the south is a site identified for a child care centre having an area of 3,718 square metres. Beyond this are residential dwellings of one and two storeys, and further to the south is large cluster of independent living units.

2.2.5 To the east Adjoining the site to the east is land zoned R2 Low Density Residential. It can be expected that this area would be developed for dwelling houses, attached dwellings, semi-detached dwellings and the like. The latest available masterplan indicates a local street terminating at the site boundary, one residential lot to the south of this road sharing a common side boundary with the site and at larger lot to the north of this local street including an access handle that may not be developed until the east west collector road is finalised.

2.3 Indicative Layout Plan The ILP (see below) shows a local road along the eastern site boundary of the site.


Diagram 2 – Extract from Marsden Park indicative Layout Plan Development has taken place generally in accordance with the ILP although there have been some adjustments to the street pattern within the Elara Estate as indicated in the following diagram:

Diagram 3 – Extract from Marsden Park indicative Layout Plan showing approved street pattern


2.4 Centres and Services

The nearest commercial precinct to the site is the proposed Elara Neighbourhood Centre. The development application for this centre is currently under assessment and comprises a supermarket, medical centre, child care centre, retail areas, community hub, a gymnasium and associated works including drainage, car parking and landscaping. This is the community focal point for the Elara Estate and is approximately 700 metres from the site

2.5 Access

The site has a frontage to two collector roads, Northbourne Drive which is constructed and a future east west road (an extension of Bolwarra Drive) not yet constructed. The longer frontage to Northbourne Drive provides opportunity for site vehicular access.

The site is located close to planned public transport services to be provided as the precinct develops. Public transport for the Marsden Park Precinct will be provided by improved bus services within the precinct, which would connect to key centres and transport interchanges outside of its boundaries. A staged rollout of bus services is planned to align with the staged development of the Marsden Park.

The precinct planning process included forward planning for an eventual bus network to serve Marsden Park including rapid bus routes, major suburban bus routes and local services. As part of the precinct planning process it has been agreed that the proposed collector road and sub-arterial road network within the precinct are to be designed to accommodate bus routes to provide local, district and regional connectivity to public transport services within the North West Growth Centre. The bus capable road network is expected to accommodate the proposed bus routes to achieve criteria such as:

• 90% of households to be within 400 metres of a rail line and/or a Regional or District bus route during commuter peaks, inter peak and weekend day time;

• 90% of households to be within 800m of a rail line and/or a Regional or District bus route at other times.

Bus capable roads in the precinct are shown on the following diagram.


Diagram 4 – Bus Capable Road Plan

The site is on the corner of two bus capable collector roads and can be expected to achieve a high level of bus connectivity in the future.

The nearest bus service to the site is on Elara Boulevarde approximately 750 metres to the south of the site.


3. Description of the Proposal

The proposed Residential Care Facility is to be constructed over two levels and will comprise 148 beds, 50 car spaces, plus one drop-off space a porte-cochere and associated landscaping and civil works.

The new building is a high-care Residential Care Facility comprising 2 levels of accommodation and associated service areas.

A detailed description of the proposed RACF is provided as follows:

Ground Floor • porte-cochère and drop off area; • foyer/reception area; • function/training room; • hair salon; • non-commercial and ancillary café for use by residents, staff, and visitors; • ancillary allied health area; • dining room, lounge rooms, sunrooms, activity rooms and TV (audio) rooms • back-of-house facilities (including kitchen, laundry, loading dock, workshop and

garbage/recycling storage areas); • nursing stations and associated clean and dirty utility areas, offices and medication

rooms; • staff and administrative offices (including toilets, a courtyard, and an interview room); • 76 bedrooms with ensuites, including a dementia unit of 16 beds; • lift cores, circulation corridors, and fire stairs; • substantial tree planting and landscaping; • secure outdoor recreation areas, terraces and courtyards.

Level 1

• 72 bedrooms (all with ensuite bathroom facilities);

• resident amenity areas (television room, lounges, activity spaces, and sitting areas);

• dining and servery areas;

• ancillary areas (including storage and utility areas);

• nurse stations and medical areas;

• lift cores, circulation corridors, and fire stairs;

• secure outdoor terrace areas.


Roof Level

• lift overruns and plant decks.

All access is provided from Northbourne Drive on the western edge of the site. Access includes vehicular access to the porte cochere, a pedestrian access path that leads directly to the main foyer area, and separate vehicular access to the car park and loading dock areas. The parking and loading dock are located on the south side of the building, a considerable distance away from the pedestrian entrance.

3.1 Operational Management

The residential care facility will be constructed, owned, and operated by Opal Aged Care, a privately owned aged care provider in Australia, providing specialist aged care services for a range of needs including dementia and respite care. Opal Aged Care currently operates a number of RCFs in NSW including two in Blacktown. The organisation will be responsible for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the facility in accordance with the requirements of the Commonwealth Department of Health.

With the objective of expanding its services in areas of need, Opal is proposing the new home in Marsden Park in the North West Growth Centre. Other Opal homes currently experience waiting lists of people requiring high level nursing, palliative and dementia care. It is intended this new home will service the growing demand in the north west as well as providing a growing gap in dementia care with the dementia specific unit.

In terms of operation and management upon completion of the proposal, the RACF will be staffed 24 hours/day 7days/week as is appropriate for a facility of the nature proposed.

Opal estimates that the new RACF will generate more than 120 jobs as direct employment opportunities for people within the region. This estimate is supported by Opals experience across 72 other RACF across Australia. In addition to these direct employment opportunities, there will be significant flow on effects for businesses that provide support services to the RACF, creating even more employment opportunities.

There will be a maximum of 39 staff employed at the facility at any one time (peak shift employees). This will resemble something similar to the following:

A Facility Manager will be employed to oversee all aspects of the residence, and supported by a Care Manager who is responsible for managing the aspects of clinical care and lifestyle. Local Hospitality and Environment Teams provide all the cleaning, laundry, maintenance and catering with food prepared and cooked on site. Opal recruits employees that will match the resident and community profile with residents’ cultural, linguistic, spiritual and/or religious needs, significant life events and activity preference into the care plans.

3.2 Community Services and Capacity to Meet Demand

Currently, services available within Marsden Park are limited due to the developing nature of the suburb. Assuming the Elara Neighbourhood Centre is approved, the centre will include


shops and community services. Notwithstanding the above, residents of the facility are likely to be frail and aged and will not be in a position to (independently) make trips by public transport or access nearby local amenities, shops or community services, given their mental and physical conditions.

It is relevant to note that the residents of the facility have a need for high care because of frailty or dementia. Admission to a RCF is generally following an assessment undertaken by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). There is a preference for admission to a RCF to be delayed for as long as possible with services provided in the home. Residents are admitted to a RCF because they have been assessed as having ‘high care needs’ and so are limited in their mobility or cognition. It is preferable for services to be provided on site so as to avoid providing any need for people with cognitive impairment or other disability to leave the site.

Residential care facilities operate under the Aged Care Act 1997 and the Quality of Care Principles 2014. This legislation sets out facilities that operators of RCFs are to meet including meals and refreshments; personal care and nursing care, furniture furnishings, bedding, toiletries, pharmaceuticals, social activities and emergency assistance. In addition the proposed RCF will include the following services:

• gym and treatment rooms in the allied health area;

• a café with the opportunity to provide related items such as newspapers, snacks and personal needs;

• consultation rooms, in addition to resident rooms where GPs will attend the site provide services of a medical practitioner to residents;

• hairdresser;

• areas for recreational activities including secure courtyard spaces (putt putt golf, walking and relaxation), internal activity spaces and TV/audio rooms and the like.

All of the residents’ daily needs will be provided on site, including food, medicine, clothes, sleepwear, toiletries, hairdresser and the services of a medical practitioner. Services such as a bank are best accessed with assistance from staff and family or via a mobile banking service or the like.

The proposed RCF would have a strong positive social impact in providing a community facility comprising safe and high quality care to seniors and people with a disability in need of high care. The facility would be appropriately staffed to provide ongoing care for all residents and will offer an environment conducive to providing car for older persons to the maximum extent possible with all the support services in place. Positive contribution is envisaged to existing community services, including services to be provided to the residents in areas such as personal care services, meals, housekeeping and home maintenance, access to medical practitioners and nursing assistance, and access to community transport access.


4. Assessment of Need

4.1 Blacktown City Population Growth

4.1.1 Recent Growth

At the 2016 Census, Blacktown City had a population of 336,962 with one fifth of the population (20.2%) aged 55 years or over. In the period between the 2011 and 2016 Census, the percentage of persons over the age of 55 increase considerably more than those of other age groups, with an increase of 12,550 persons aged 55+ or 21.5%. Over the same period, the number of people aged 70+ increased by 30.4%.

The median age of the population in Blacktown City rose from 31 in 20 the population 11 to 33 in 2016, again showing a trend reflective of an ageing population.

4.1.2 Population Forecast

The following data is collated from the Department of Planning and Environment 2016 New South Wales State and Local Government Area Population and Household Projections, and Dwelling Requirements.

The Blacktown Local Government Area is estimated to grow from 349,050 in 2016, to 521,450 in 2036 representing an increase of 49.4%. The average household size is forecast to fall from 2.98 persons in 2016 to 2.87 persons in 2036. There is a significant estimated increase of


82% in the population aged over 55 with the largest increase in persons expected to be for people aged 70+ (140% increase).

By 2036 it is estimated that 25% of the population will be aged 55 years and over with significant increases in the number of couples without dependents (+6,300) as well as lone person households (+6,300). Between 2016 and 2036, the population aged 70+ is expected to increase by 33,000 persons.

4.2 Marsden Park Population

4.2.1 Current Situation

The site is located within the suburb of Marsden Park, which is an area undergoing significant change and population increase as a result of State and local government growth policies.

At the 2016 Census, Marsden Park had a population of 1,008 people with over a third of the population (35.2%) aged 55 years and over3, which is a noticeably higher proportion compared to NSW where 28.1% of the population was aged 55 years and over.

Key population statistics taken from the 2016 Census for both Blacktown LGA and Marsden Park are summarised in the below table.

3 Australian Bureau of Statistics. 2016. Census Community Profile Marsden Park (SSC).

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

40,000

45,000

0-4 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-84 85+

Num

ber o

f Per

sons

Age Group (years)

Forecast Change in Age Structure - 5 year age groups

2016 2021 2026 2031 2036


Blacktown LGA Marsden Park Suburb

Population 336,962 1,008

Median age 33 years 40 years

Aged 55 and over 68,469 (20.2%) 355 (35.2%)

Households (lone person)

15,362 (15.2%) 110 (31.7%)

Families (couple without children)

21,958 (25.6%) 95 (38.9%)

Median household income (weekly)

$1,711 $1,161

Occupied Private Dwelling (separate house)

78,774 (74.2%) 198 (46.1%)

Occupied private dwelling (flat, unit or apartment)

5,247 (4.9%) 0 (0%)

4.2.2 Population Forecast

The following data has been collected from Profile.id. For the purpose of this section, it is assumed that Marsden Park suburb is comprised of Marsden Park and Shanes Park.

As seen in the population and age structure map below, the Marsden Park suburb is expected to experience a significant increase in the proportion of persons aged between 55 and 85 years – see population age structure map below.


By 2036, the suburb of Marsden Park is forecast to increase in population from 3,846 in 2019 to 32,521 in 2036. This represents a change in population between 2019 and 2036 of 745.63%. The percentage change in the population of persons aged 55 years or older is forecast to be an increase of 1,103% by 2036, representing a significant increase. This increase accounts to 4,721 additional persons aged 55 and over and 1,750 additional persons aged 70 and over.


5. The Need for Seniors Accommodation

5.1 Australia’s Ageing Population

Recognising that Australia’s population is clearly ageing4, with the population aged 65 and over growing significantly faster than the total population and working age populations5, anticipating and effectively planning for this population change is now a key focus for both economic and social policy.

Factors contributing to the ageing population relate to fertility rates, mortality rates, migration and the ‘ageing in place’ of residents. Increased longevity of the population requires consideration of the implication of increased demand for aged care with a focus on the additional years of life that may be lived with a long term disability. For example, whilst the baby boomer generation are likely to be healthier than previous generations, the medical breakthroughs such as those that prevent death from a heart attack or a stroke may leave a person with a chronic illness or disability.

Literature shows older Australians have a high level of attachment to home and place, that being not necessarily the dwelling they occupy but instead the locality in which they live. Therefore, it is important to ensure the residents are able to remain attached to their local area as their health and support needs change.

5.2 Seniors Housing SEPP

Recognising that the population of NSW is ageing with continual trends in the growth of the number of people aged 55 and over, State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing for Seniors or People with a Disability) 2004 is a policy response that aims to encourage the provision of housing that will:

a) increase the supply and diversity of residences that meet the needs of seniors or people with a disability,

b) make efficient use of existing infrastructure and services, and c) be of good design.

Given that population trends show there are to be significant increases in the number of seniors it is essential that housing within Sydney is well designed and varied to ensure seniors can stay in the area they know, with good access to transport, local facilities and activities, allowing them to age in place through the provision of adaptable housing that can be modified for varying levels of disability.

4 Demographic ageing of a population occurs when the proportion of the total population in the older age groups (usually 65+) increases. Currently all global populations are ageing, although the rate varies greatly between countries (United Nations, 2013). Cited in Hugo, G. (2014) The Demographic Facts of Ageing in Australia.

5 Hugo, G (2014) The Demographic Facts of Ageing in Australia.


There is an increasing tendency for older persons to stay in their homes longer with considerable policy and financial support for assistance to be provided in the home. Some seniors cannot continue to live at home and, following assessment by the aged care team, move to a residential care facility. Residents of the proposed facility have a need for high care because of frailty or dementia. Admission to a RCF is generally following an assessment undertaken by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). Residents are admitted to a RCF because they have been assessed as having ‘high care needs’ and so are limited in their mobility or cognition. It is preferable for services to be provided on site so as to avoid providing any need for people with cognitive impairment or other disability to leave the site.

Residential care facilities operate under the Aged Care Act 1997 and the Quality of Care Principles 2014. This legislation sets out facilities that operators of RCFs are to meet including meals and refreshments; personal care and nursing care, furniture furnishings, bedding, toiletries, pharmaceuticals, social activities and emergency assistance. In addition the proposed RCF will include the following services:

• gym and treatment rooms in the allied health facility;

• a café that provides the opportunity to provide related items such as newspapers, snacks and personal needs;

• consultation rooms, in addition to resident rooms where GPs will attend the site provide services of a medical practitioner to residents;

• hairdresser;

• areas for recreational activities including secure courtyard spaces (mini-golf walking and relaxation), internal activity spaces and TV/audio rooms and the like;

Residents’ daily needs will be provided on site, including food, medicine, clothes, sleepwear, toiletries, hairdresser and the services of a medical practitioner.

5.3 Blacktown City Ageing Profile 2012+

In response to clear signals of an ageing population, Council developed the Blacktown City Ageing Profile 2012+ in 2012 to provide strategic direction to this commitment. The Profile includes eight priority areas which outline actions from across many areas of Council to ensure that the needs of the older community are holistically addressed now and in the future.

The profile notes that the ageing population of Blacktown City is diverse in terms of age and activity, life stage and experience, health and financial status, culture and religion, and geographic concentration.

A key priority area is housing with seniors facing a range of housing issues as they age. The proposed development is consistent with the strategy in that is provides a high quality residential care facility enabling residents of Marsden Park and surrounding areas to remain in their neighbourhood in age appropriate accommodation providing services and assistance required by the frail aged and persons with dementia.


5.4 Financially and Socially Disadvantaged Residents and Costs

Blacktown City contains pockets of significant disadvantage and less advantage compared to the remainder of Australia. In recognition of this financial and socially disadvantage, Opal has proposed to set aside approximately 30%-40% of the new places for financial and socially disadvantaged residents in applications for bed licences with the Department of Health. Opal recognises there are many older people within the catchment that are on full or part pensions with the only asset being their home which may not be able to be sold due to the partner remaining in the home.

Given there is a growing elderly population within the region, noted to have a higher level of disadvantage and lower levels of advantage compared to the remainder of Australia, Opal has designed the facility to ensure high care accommodation is available for the financially and socially disadvantaged population. Opal prides itself on its tradition of accommodating people within the FSD special needs group and has placed a high level of importance on doing so at this proposed facility.

Based on the demographics of the area it is expected that 30% to 40% of residents would be pensioners who would only pay the Government mandated daily care fee of 85% of the pension as mandated by the Department of Health with the balance of care and accommodation costs funded by the Federal government. Self-funded residents would contribute to costs of accommodation, typically set at 50% to 70% of the median house price, as a fully Refundable Accommodation Deposit (or the daily equivalent). This is in addition to the Government mandated daily care fee.


6. Social Impact Evaluation

The application seeks approval for a 148 bed residential aged care facility. The following assessment table presents an assessment of the key impacts within the local social environment and the potential positive benefits of the proposed development.

Potential Issue Comment

Anti-social behaviour and crime prevention, community risk perception, safety and security.

The development will increase surveillance of ‘after hours’ activity. Design has regard to Safety by Design Principles and include adequate lighting, security and clearly defined pedestrian access points. The development would occupy a vacant lot in a new subdivision, enabling the activation and surveillance of surrounding streets and sites on a continual basis. Rooms and living areas are oriented to the street providing ample opportunities for surveillance from the development. This is expected in increase safety in the area through site activation and passive surveillance.

Residents would be housed in a safe and protected environment.

The use is not one that would result in any anti-social behaviour or raise community risk perception or threaten safety and security.

Access and Mobility All facilities and services required by the residents will be provided on site. The site is within reasonable distance to public transportation and a neighbourhood centre and it is expected that services will improve in the future will additional bus services along streets adjoining the site designed to accommodate bus services.

Transport for medical or other reasons will be arranged by the facility and a minibus service will be provided for outings.

A full range of Clinical Care Services will be available including nursing, pathology and pharmacy services as required. Local partner service providers, together with the Opal 24/7/365 nursing model will provide assistance, including connections with the residents own local GP or other local health practitioners.

Culture and Community Values

Marsden Park is a relatively new area, as such many residents will be new. Residents are considered likely to have established connections in the area already and the provision of additional health services and communal areas will increase opportunities to support community needs


Potential Issue Comment within the local area. Development will promote long term community diversity by allowing local residents to remain in the area as their housing needs change.

Ageing in place is a priority for many older people and whilst many will be able to remain in their own homes there is increasing value placed on the ability for older people to remain in their local area whilst moving to higher care dwellings. Recognising that the local area has a significant level of disadvantage Opal is proposing to set aside places for FSD residents, consistent with current Opal facility practices.

Economic advantage Provision of jobs through construction and opportunity to promote local contracts for construction. Provision of a local allied health facility will support the needs for the ageing population within the development as well as for the local community. Jobs in a number of skill areas will be provided at the facility providing local employment opportunities.

Housing mix The proposal reflects the population trend across Australia with an ageing population. The provision of residential aged care rooms in an area expected to increase significantly in persons aged 70 or older will enable people to continue to live in the area through all stages of life. The facility will complement the seniors housing development by Stockland which focusses on independent living units.

Quality of life The development includes personal care, health and lifestyle facilities which will be available to residents such as health facilities, hair salon, and café. The proposal provides multi-purpose spaces for activities, as well as purpose built spaces for maintenance of health such as rehabilitation therapies and related services.

Participation and inclusion The development addresses future housing needs of the local resident population of Marsden Park and Blacktown City, enabling older residents to remain located within or near to their local area as their housing needs change. Spaces will be provided for financially disadvantaged residents.

Contribution to the existing built environment

The proposal is in an area of transition with the development being a significant community facility provided early in development of the area. Nonetheless, once complete, the residential aged care facility will contribute to the area which


Potential Issue Comment will be characterised by a mixture of low density housing, a child care, and a local school.

Natural Environment The development will not result in any negative removal of native vegetation and fauna due to the site being a vacant lot.


7. Conclusion

This Social Impact Assessment (SIA) has been prepared to accompany a Development Application for the construction of a residential aged care facility located on Northbourne Drive, Marsden Park.

Upon completion, the facility is expected to house approximately 148 residents, a majority of which are anticipated to be from the Blacktown City area. The proposal has been designed to cater for the local population and particularly recognises the increasing demand for aged care and high care needs housing for people with dementia in the region. On completion, the project will create substantial employment opportunities for people within the region, and flow on effects to other businesses that provide support services to the RCF.

The proposed facility is to be constructed on a currently vacant site within the recent Elara Park subdivision. The development is consistent with the approved Elara Park Masterplan which identifies the site for a residential aged care facility.

The proposal has been designed to meet the future needs of the ageing population of the City of Blacktown and surrounding areas, responding to increased demand for people requiring high level nursing, palliative care and dementia care in the region. The facility will be operated and managed by Opal Aged Care, one of Australia’s largest owned aged care provider, providing high care, dementia and palliative care through nursing homes and assisted living apartments.

The facility will employ a Facility Manager to oversee all aspects of the residence, supported by a Care Manager, a senior clinician who will oversee all aspects of clinical care and lifestyle. Direct care will be provided to residents through the Opal care team to maintain wellbeing and slow down deterioration. Positive contribution is envisaged to existing community services, including services to be provided to the residents of in areas such as personal care services, meals, housekeeping and home maintenance, access to medical practitioners and nursing assistance, and access to community transport access.

The social benefits of the proposal will be significant in that:

• strong market demand for contemporary aged care facilities will be better satisfied;

• an increased number of beds will be available for senior residents of Blacktown City;

• current and future residents of Marsden Park will have the option to age in place;

• future patients will have excellent amenity and excellent access to high quality care; and

• adjoining properties will suffer no unreasonable impacts. The proposed facility can play an important role in the coordinated delivery of aged care services in Marsden Park and wider Northwest Sydney region. The proposal will make an important contribution to the supply of seniors housing in the area.

Documents

SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Residential Aged Care Facility ......2.4 Centres and Services ... The residential care facility occupies a site identified for this purpose in the Stockland