Laws offer Sanctuary to seniors

THE exclusive Gold Coast resort of Sanctuary Cove will be home to retirement villages and residential care facilities after the State Government introduced new planning laws.

State parliament has passed the Economic Development and Other Legislation Amendment Bill, allowing a proposal for retirement or residential aged care at the northern community to be considered.

“Being able to stay close to home in a safe and comfortable environment surrounded by the people you love is important for residents in all communities,” State Development Minister Cameron Dick said.

“At the time it was written in the 1980s, the Sanctuary Cove Resort Act did not include either a retirement facility or residential care facility use, which until today prevented this type of development from being considered.”

Since it opened in 1988, the exclusive community has been governed by its own bill in the parliament, removed from council’s City Plan and restricted to development which includes houses, units, villas and resorts.

Future planning, under the new laws, would continue to be assessed by the State rather than the council.

Development applications would still need to be lodged and consultation undertaken with the community, Mr Dick said.

The Bulletin understands the Government is likely to receive one application with only one suitable site currently available.

Gold Coast North Chamber of Commerce President Gary Mays welcomed the move.

“We’re really lucky that we have a whole range of retirement and aged care living options,” he said. “I am pleased that people who’ve lived at Sanctuary Cove for decades will now have more options to live their twilight years in the community, rather than having to move out of the area.”

Broadwater MP David Crisafulli supported the changes but indicated applicants needed to support future infrastructure costs.