Moura community updated on aged-care expansion project

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Photo of people standing in front of the building that is under construction at Moura
Checking building progress at Moura Aged-Care Expansion (from left) Operational Services Officer Vanessa, Enrolled Nurse Advanced Skills Deanne, Clinical Leader Infrastructure Delivery Susan, Director of Nursing Andrea and Senior Project Officer, Infrastructure Delivery Unit Ken.

Summary

Community members visited the Moura Library last week to view the draft landscaping designs and artist impressions for the aged‑care expansion project.

Community members visited the Moura Library this week to view the draft landscaping designs and artist impressions for the aged‑care expansion project. The designs have been developed in collaboration with Gangulu Traditional Owners and include a Yarning Circle made from local sandstone, native planting, and circular pathways inspired by a snake design.

The plans feature covered areas, wheelchair‑accessible seating and tables, personal patios for each resident, and a large communal patio overlooking landscaped native gardens.

An information session was recently held to give Moura community members the opportunity to view the designs and share their feedback. Attendees spoke positively about the progress of the build, with comments such as “It looks really good” and “You’ve done a fantastic job so far.”

Several ideas were discussed to further enhance the outdoor spaces. The Moura Community Advisory Network (CAN) and Auxiliary are exploring the purchase and installation of a barbecue for the main patio, along with the possibility of adding an additional covered seating area. Metal laser‑cut panels reflecting farming, country life and mining were also discussed as a potential feature at the front of the facility.

Support from the Moura Men’s Shed was raised, with interest in contributing to small projects such as building a chicken coop or storage. A community walk‑through is also planned once the site is ready, allowing visitors to see the spaces and proposed landscaping firsthand.

Access for mobility scooters, including storage and charging locations, was discussed. This feedback will be provided to the project team to ensure suitable space and charging points are included in the final design. The need for additional shade along the side of the building with three patios was also identified, as this area receives significant direct sunlight and may impact resident comfort.

The naming of the facility was another topic of discussion, including possible community involvement. This suggestion will be investigated further in line with Queensland Government naming guidelines.

An additional pathway and a small smoking area will be provided away from the building, in accordance with residential aged‑care guidelines.

Once construction is complete, there will be opportunities to display artwork throughout the facility, along with a dedicated display cabinet for memorabilia. The internal courtyard will include tables, chairs and greenery to create a welcoming shared space.

Each resident's room will include a bed and bedside table, built‑in cupboard, an electric recliner, an ensuite, a private patio and a ceiling‑mounted TV. One bariatric room will also be available. Residents may be able to bring some personal furniture and would need to discuss this with the Director of Nursing.

Queensland Ambulance Service access will remain unchanged, with continued use of the existing hospital access and designated space at the front of the new facility.

All feedback from the visit will be shared with the project working group. We will continue working closely with the Moura Men’s Shed, the Community Advisory Network and the Auxiliary to identify opportunities to further enhance the facility. Invitations for community walk‑throughs will be sent once dates are confirmed.

The project remains on track for completion by mid‑year.

Keep up to date with developments on Central Queensland Health's website.