Dear Bugle Editor,

The Council has responded on their webpage regarding the Bluehaven Terralong Independent Living Units. They stated their appreciation for a good story and mentioned the library is full of them. Personally, I always check which section I am in—Fact or Fiction.

I served as the Maintenance Manager for Terralong from 1999 until recently. Despite the Council's continuous assertions that they are not seeking to divest Bluehaven Terralong, inconsistencies persist. After a vote to retain Bluehaven Terralong, a Council Officer was heard telling clients, "We are preparing Bluehaven Terralong for sale."

Furthermore, I learned of a "Plan B" from a Council Officer, which involves selling Stages 1, 2, and 3 of Bluehaven Terralong separately from Stages 4, 5, and the old Aged Care Home—again, following the decision not to divest Bluehaven Terralong.

The sale of units is to be conducted via email. Many potential buyers have inquired, only to be informed that there is nothing available. Council mentions other complexes coming online, but these are generally priced beyond the reach of the average local resident, making them hard to sell.

Most residents bought into Bluehaven because it was a community initiative, started by the community for the community, and importantly, it was Council-owned and operated. This was a major factor in their decision.

The long-term Manager was replaced by a highly experienced and competent individual. However, the working environment was intolerable, leading her to leave for a larger organisation.

Council claims there are 17 units empty, plus 4 being renovated. My estimate of 23 empty units was based on information from March when the Maintenance Manager was told that renovations would start in three months. This coincided with the end of the financial year. 

The current renovations are on the lower-priced units, one of which has been empty for nearly a year. Personally, I would have prioritised mid-range units around $800,000 to $1 million, which could have been turned around in 6-8 weeks. Local tradespeople, who prioritise Bluehaven, would have completed the work promptly under the Maintenance Manager's coordination. I understand that some Stage 5 units require extensive waterproofing and fire rectification work, recognising that renovations are more than just cosmetic.

Council also claims a high number of transfers, aligning with the industry average of 10% per annum for a 200-unit complex, equating to 20 units per year. When Terralong residents move to the BH Care home, the Council internally transfers sufficient funds to cover the accommodation bond. This is a policy decision, not a requirement, and applies only to our Care Home. With the sale of Boniara, this bond is transferred to the new owner, potentially skewing the financial appearance of different parts of the business, especially with Independent Living Units sitting idle.

It is probably known that there are plans to sell the Leisure Centre and the Minnamurra waste depot, contradicting the original promise to focus on the “3 R's”: Roads, Rates, and Rubbish. Privatization often leads to increased fees for the community, as I have been told.

Name Supplied.