IRT strengthens its commitment to the NSW South Coast with land agreement to enable future expansion at Culburra Beach

IRT has taken an exciting step toward the future of seniors’ living on the NSW South Coast, announcing plans to acquire approximately six hectares of land at Culburra Beach for a future expansion of its residential aged care and retirement living community on Culburra Road.

The agreement will see IRT acquire vacant land currently owned by Sealark, located adjacent to its Culburra Place Retirement Village and Residential Care Home on the southern side of Culburra Road. The site is positioned opposite the West Culburra Town Centre Precinct, which is being developed by Sealark.

To enable the sale, Sealark has lodged a Development Application (DA) with Shoalhaven City Council to subdivide part of its landholdings. The DA proposes creating a six-hectare lot for future residential aged care use adjoining the existing IRT community, as well as a separate 1.2-hectare lot near Culburra Road.

IRT Group Chief Executive Officer, Ross Gallagher said the agreement reflects IRT’s long-term commitment to Culburra Beach and the wider Shoalhaven region.

“IRT has been part of the Culburra Beach community for more than 35 years, and this agreement represents an important investment in ensuring we can continue to meet the needs of older people now and into the future,” Mr Gallagher said.

“This land acquisition gives us the space and flexibility to thoughtfully plan for the future so we can enable more older people and their families to access quality care and services close to home.”

Mr Gallagher said the agreement also forms part of IRT’s broader, long-term commitment to the Illawarra and South Coast regions, where the organisation is actively progressing new developments, redevelopments and expansions in Woonona, Wollongong, Unanderra, St Georges Basin, Milton, Moruya and Dalmeny.

“Across the Illawarra and South Coast, we’re investing in communities where people want to age well by building, renewing and expanding services that reflect how older Australians live today, and how their needs evolve over time,” Mr Gallagher said.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, IRT had been advancing plans to redevelop Culburra Place, including extensive engagement with staff, residents, families and the local community to help shape the vision for the site. Those plans were placed on hold in early 2020 as the organisation responded to the challenges of the pandemic.

During that time, IRT redirected its focus to making immediate improvements to the site, enhancing safety, comfort and liveability for residents.

“Pending Council approval and final acquisition of the land, this agreement gives us the opportunity to revisit our longer-term plans for the future of Culburra Place,” Mr Gallagher said.

Sealark Managing Director – Land & Development, Matt Philpott said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to supporting essential community infrastructure in Culburra Beach.

“IRT is a valued neighbour of our West Culburra development and we’re proud to work collaboratively to support the expansion of the vital services IRT provides to the local community,” Mr Philpott said.

While it is too early to confirm timelines or specific design outcomes, Mr Gallagher said IRT is committed to being open and transparent about its future plans, and to keeping staff, residents, their families and the local community informed.

“We have a proud history of caring for older Australians in Culburra Beach, and this investment gives us a strong foundation to continue that care well into the future,” Mr Gallagher said.