Burrangiri Aged Care Respite Facility to stay open for two more years

The facility still needs major upgrades for long-term use.

The Burrangiri Aged Care Respite Facility will remain open for another two years, following an announcement by ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith.

The ACT Health Directorate is preparing paperwork to support The Salvation Army in continuing to operate the service.

The decision aligns with the Albanese Government’s $10 million election pledge to maintain respite bed numbers in the ACT.

Stephen-Smith acknowledged that the original decision to close Burrangiri was difficult, but the significant investment by the Commonwealth has opened the door for short- and long-term solutions.

“The ACT Government recognises the concerns raised by the community around the availability of respite and the value of the Burrangiri service to those who currently rely on it,” she said.

“A two-year extension allows us to work with the Commonwealth on more sustainable solutions for respite in the ACT and best use of the funding available,” she added.

Whilst the facility can remain operational in the short term, the Health Directorate has reiterated that Burrangiri requires substantial upgrades to meet long-term aged care standards.

Stephen-Smith also confirmed she has written to the Commonwealth Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, to propose co-funding the Burrangiri extension and to fast-track the delivery of new dedicated residential respite beds in the ACT.

The ACT Government is also working with Carers ACT to identify land for a new purpose-built respite centre.