Community voices helping shape IRT’s vision for proposed Milton seniors’ living community

As a community-owned organisation, IRT is listening to local voices and refining its plans to create a place Milton can be proud of.

More than 60 local community members attended IRT’s recent community drop-in sessions and webinar to learn more about the enhanced masterplan for its proposed seniors’ living community in Milton.   

IRT CEO Ross Gallagher said the organisation deeply values the community’s input. 

“IRT was founded by locals who wanted something better for older people in their community – and that same sense of purpose and care still drives us today,” Mr Gallagher said. 

“We’ve received thoughtful ideas and suggestions, and we’re taking the time to carefully consider all feedback alongside advice from independent experts and consultants.” 

IRT’s plans remain in draft form. Once the review process is complete, IRT will share a revised masterplan with the community and submit it to Shoalhaven City Council for assessment.  

IRT purchased the land at 267 Princes Highway in Milton in 2021. The site already held council approval for an aged care centre and retirement village, and IRT has since refined those plans to better reflect its contemporary vision for a connected, sustainable and integrated seniors’ living community 

Early site preparation works are now underway in accordance with the approved Development Application (DA), including asbestos remediation and selective tree and vegetation clearing. 

Mr Gallagher said protecting the site’s significant small-leaved Fig tree remains a key focus.  

“We have received questions about the beautiful small-leaved Fig tree on site. It is a centrepiece of our revised masterplan, and we’re committed to preserving it for generations to come,” he said. 

A protected zone and extended buffer have been established around the small-leaved Fig tree during early works and while further investigations and reports are completed. A fence will also be installed around the Fig tree, and a smaller Fig tree onsite has also been included in the protection measures. 

“We’ve also heard strong community interest in protecting the large turpentine trees on site. These trees have been formally tagged and are being carefully avoided while we explore design options based on community feedback,” Mr Gallagher added. 

The subtropical rainforest area on site is being fully retained, with protective measures in place throughout all early works.  

As part of the approved DA, IRT will deliver a new roundabout where the site intersects Warden Road and the Princes Highway, improving local traffic flow and safety for residents, visitors and the broader community.  

Preparatory works began in May 2025, with bulk earthworks scheduled from late October. Subject to weather, this work will continue for two to three weeks. Temporary traffic measures, including a 40km/h speed limit and safety barriers approved by Transport for NSW, are in place to ensure worker and community safety. 

The next stage of work will involve relocating stormwater, water, electrical and telecommunication services. 

Mr Gallagher said IRT will continue to provide regular updates to its nearby IRT Sarah Claydon staff, residents, families and the broader Milton community as the project progresses. 

“We’re proud to be part of this community and are committed to ensuring our proposed seniors’ living community brings lasting benefit to the Shoalhaven region and its people,” he said. 

Community members are encouraged to share comments, questions or feedback about IRT’s enhanced masterplan via Brooks Community Engagement’s online Community Contact Form.