The Freeling community is set to benefit from vital safety upgrades at Wheatfields Residential Care, ensuring the much-needed redevelopment of the local aged care facility proceeds without delay.
The current $25 Million Commonwealth-funded redevelopment of Wheatfields was in jeopardy due to existing water pressure constraints in the Freeling area.
However, the Malinauskas Labor Government has budgeted $1.5 Million in this financial year to fund the installation of two firewater tanks, ensuring a permanent, secure water supply for essential fire protection systems.
With viable aged care facilities being crucial for rural communities, Tony Piccolo MP welcomed the State Government’s intervention to secure the facility’s future.
"Aged care in smaller rural towns isn’t just about health services—it’s about keeping our communities together," said Mr. Piccolo.
"Farmers and families who have spent their lives here deserve the chance to remain connected to the places and people they love."
The redevelopment will provide much-needed additional aged care support for Freeling, enabling more elderly residents to remain within their local area rather than relocating to larger regional centres or Adelaide for care.
When it was discovered the redevelopment would require an alternative fire water supply solution before the expansion could continue, Premier Peter Malinauskas established a Taskforce to find a solution.
The Taskforce comprised of representatives from SA Water, the Department for Housing and Urban Development, the CFS, local council and Wheatfields management.
"As a State Government, we couldn’t sit back and have a new aged care facility sit empty," said Premier Malinauskas.
"Now, thanks to the efforts of the Government, work will begin on essential safety upgrades so that there will be more aged care support in the Freeling area.
“Actions are in place to coordinate processes and fast track the installation of the fire safety water tanks that will supply the fire sprinkler system.
“This is a demonstration of our commitment to action.”
To minimise disruption during construction, the State Government will purchase adjoining private land to be used for staging and materials storage for Stages Two and Three of the redevelopment.
Once construction is complete, this land will be sold, recouping some of the investment.
Meanwhile, 29 residents will soon move into the newly constructed premises, freeing up the site for Stage Two demolition and construction to begin.
"This grant is an example of the Malinauskas addressing an issue which also helps our health system," said Mr. Piccolo.
"More aged care beds means less people staying in our acute beds in hospitals when then is no medical reason to do so.”
Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion believes the investment in firewater infrastructure reaffirms the government’s commitment to fast-tracking solutions that benefit communities like Freeling.
"The Premier asked the Department to resolve this situation and they have acted quickly," said Minister Champion.
"This solution will enable the redevelopment and expansion to continue without jeopardising the water supply to the existing residents in the Freeling area."