IRT to explore new housing pathways for IRT Towradgi Beach

IRT will explore alternative housing options for the redevelopment of IRT Towradgi Beach following the Wollongong Local Planning Panel’s decision not to approve the proposed seniors’ living development.

After seven years of design development, revisions and engagement, IRT acknowledged the decision, confirming it will now progress plans that better respond to the planning, environmental and infrastructure constraints identified through the assessment process.

IRT CEO Ross Gallagher said the organisation remains focused on finding the best long-term outcome for the site and the community.

“While we’re disappointed we couldn’t progress a seniors’ living community on this site, we respect the Panel’s decision,” Mr Gallagher said.

“This is a challenging site, and the assessment process made clear there are a range of issues that affect what can viably and appropriately be delivered here – including flooding, infrastructure and broader site constraints.”

Mr Gallagher said IRT will now explore alternative development pathways for the land, focused on housing that better responds to those constraints while continuing to support local need.

“Across the Illawarra, housing availability remains under pressure, and there is a clear need for more diverse and accessible housing options,” he said.

“We remain committed to ensuring this site can still play a meaningful role for the community, and that means adapting our approach to deliver something that is achievable, appropriate and valuable.”

Mr Gallagher said the shift also reflects the need to take a long-term and responsible approach to IRT’s property portfolio.

“As a community-owned, not-for-profit organisation, our focus remains on supporting older Australians through housing, care and services,” he said.

“To do that, we need to take a disciplined and sustainable approach, ensuring each site is delivering the greatest possible value for the communities we serve and supporting our long-term strategy.”

IRT will continue to engage with all interested stakeholders and the local community as plans for the site progress.

“We recognise it has been a lengthy process over many years to get to this point, and we’ve appreciated the support and patience of our staff, residents, neighbours and the local community along the way.”

“We’re focused on finding the right path forward as quickly as possible and continue to look towards IRT’s next generation of developments.”

IRT is currently progressing several seniors’ housing projects across the Illawarra and South Coast.

This includes projects already underway, such as the redevelopment of Diment Retirement Village in Wollongong, and upgrades at Marco Polo Unanderra Residential Care Home to unlock more aged care beds for the Illawarra – both of which are due for completion early next year.

“We have also lodged State Significant Development Applications for proposed seniors’ living communities in Moruya and Woonona, and we’re progressing plans for a new seniors’ living community in Milton too,” Mr Gallagher said.

“Together, these developments represent a strong pipeline focused on delivering high-quality housing and care in regions where demand continues to grow.

“For us, it’s about taking a long-term, sustainable approach – ensuring we can continue to invest in the places, services and communities our residents rely on now and into the future.”