At the independent living units at Blue Haven Terralong (BHT) there are 23 vacant units in the complex and buyers are being told there are no available units, according to some residents.

Some renovations are being worked on - mainly those needing extensive rectification work, but the units with basic renovation - a quick turnaround - are not being worked on.

Council has indicated that renovations for these vacant units won’t begin for months.

In the midst of a housing crisis, particularly for the aged, it's baffling that these units remain unoccupied while there is significant interest from potential residents.

The units vary in price and go up to $1.2 million. Normal turnover of units is 10 percent, which would fund the bottom line. The renovation costs are borne by council as the sale proceeds are separate.

The Bugle was told that the income from levies sustained the running costs of the complex.

Graham Touhy, a current resident and former contractor at BHT for more than 21 years said, “Terralong ILU is 100 percent self-funding - with no cost to the community. This year will be its first loss in 40 years as it is not being run to its true potential.”

Several residents told The Bugle that they overheard a council officer telling a group of businessmen, "We are preparing Blue Haven Terralong for sale."

This contradicts the Council’s resolution from an extraordinary meeting on 13 October 2022, when it decided to sell Blue Haven Bonaira Residential Aged Care Facility, Bonaira Independent Living Units, and Blue Haven Community Services, but would retain the Blue Haven Terralong Independent Living Units.

Lynda Henderson sought clarification on the Kiama Community Facebook page about the status of the Terralong Street units.

Graham Touhy responded, “Blue Haven Terralong has been put in limbo. There are 21 units empty Mr Touhy said with council not actively turning them over for months. That’s over TEN MILLION DOLLARS that are not being sold. Why?” Touhy said.

“Because they (council) can say as of this financial year, ‘Terralong lost money’. Then cry SELL. Next financial year will show a huge profit for an easy sale. BHT has been profitable for the community every year, contributing to community works. Once sold these funds are no more and lost forever,” Touhy said.

In that thread Councillor Stuart Larkins said there was a lot of “misinformation and disinformation on social media regarding this topic.”

Clr Larkins said that council’s position was to retain BHT but also said, “pending dilapidation and subdivision reports” and the desire to separate the Kiama Community Garden from the BHT site in case of future changes to Council’s position.”

Does this mean that as soon as the Performance Improvement Order is lifted, and with a new council in place, they will then push for a sale?

It is understood that BHT’s finances have not been separated from council's finances but is underway.

The resale of vacated units minus costs is considerable and partly funds community assets.  

How long can we run this way at a probable loss when the problem has been known for a long time and the rectification process is still ongoing?” he asked, adding, “Is it the State Government holding it up? I don't know.”

In light of this question, The Bugle asked State MP Gareth Ward for his thoughts. “I am not aware of any state government policy that could be slowing the renovation of units controlled and managed by Blue Have. Further, I have not been approached by Blue Haven or Council about any NSW Government policy causing a delay. Given The Bugle has raised this with me, I will approach the council and make further inquiries,” he said - which he has now done and is waiting on a reply.

“Council resolved to keep Blue Haven Terralong and I support its retention. The independent living units actually make money for council and I would be opposed to any sale given they are self supporting and sustainable.

“I am concerned to hear reports that there may be several units vacant. These should be renovated and filled as a matter of priority. We have a shortage of housing options for older people and we need to provide these homes to people who urgently need them,” Mr Ward added.

The Kiama community, along with current and prospective residents of Blue Haven Terralong, seek transparency and clarity on the future of these independent living units.

Coinciding with the start of the new financial year, The Bugle has learned that refurbishments are set to resume around Blue Haven Terralong.