The multi-million dollar development will comprise of a 32 bed aged care facility adjacent to the existing Multi-Purpose Health Service at the corner of Sole and Prisk streets, Guyra. The Joint Regional Planning Panel approved construction to the former Guyra Shire Council in 2013.The project is jointly funded through a $2m Federal grant, Kolora reserves of $900k, $1m from the proceeds of the truck stop sale and the balance from council’s general fund. Earthworks have been completed ready for construction.

Council has received strong legal advice that there should be a new tender process for construction works due to changes made in the project design. This advice along with expected increased construction cost will be considered at the next Ordinary Council Meeting in Armidale on July 27, when decisions will be made concerning the process for construction and how Council will fund the expected increased costs.

Armidale Regional Council Administrator Dr Ian Tiley said it was important that proper transparencies, due process, governance and tendering processes were undertaken and that cost increases associated with the project were known in advance and budgeted. It has now been over three years since tenders were first obtained.

Dr Tiley stated that the Guyra community should be reassured the council remains committed to this important Guyra project and its completion at the earliest possible time.