Plans to enable aged care and specialised seniors housing next to the developing Shellharbour Hospital have been welcomed by locals.
NSW Government rezoning proposals have earmarked a site for the housing on Buckley’s Road, Shell Cove, to give seniors direct access to the local centre and nearby healthcare services.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the site’s proximity to the hospital will strengthen Shellharbour’s role as a health hub for the Illawarra.
“By unlocking housing around the new hospital precinct, including dedicated opportunities for aged care and seniors housing, we are creating vibrant communities,” Mr Scully said.
Former Shellharbour mayor and MP Marianne Saliba said the facilities, if developed, will help address the growing demand for seniors housing across the Illawarra.
“There is a demand and we’ve got to keep up with it,” Mrs Saliba said.
“If we don’t, we have elderly people living in their homes on their own, not having anybody assisting or aiding in their care.”
According to the Community Industry Group, demand for aged care services in the Illawarra is increasing outpacing supply.
Their experts say the region is 1025 residential care places short, with significant projected ageing population growth.
Mrs Saliba said new seniors housing could help reduce the pressure this demand is placing on hospitals within the Shellharbour region.
“Hospital beds are locked because older people aren’t well enough to go back to their nursing home, so more aged care facilities and any space to allow these facilities to be built is a positive move,” Mrs Saliba said.
In the meantime, the shortage of aged care placements is being felt by local families.
Illawarra resident Leeroy Jenkins said he and his family are caring for his elderly father at home until a nursing home placement becomes available.
“My father has been needing a nursing home level of care for three months, but he’s still on an emergency priority wait list,” Mr Jenkins said.
“It seems like a never-ending spiral because there is nowhere available for him.”
Feedback on the rezoning is open until September 8, 2026.
