Bellarine Community Health has sold off aged-care facility Ann Nichol House at Portarlington, despite widespread public concern.
One of Australia’s largest aged-care providers, Arcare, will take over the facility, and is expected to expand it from a 60 to 100-bed concern.
There were seven providers in the running to take over the facility, four not for profit and three private providers.
The not for profit outfits dropped out of the running, leaving the three private enterprises to fight it out.
As part of the deal Bellarine Community Health came to an agreement with the state government to purchase the Crown land site.
John Fendyk, chief executive of Bellarine Community Health, said that allowed Arcare security of tenure for the future.
“We want to bed the sale down now and then look at some of the issues that have been raised,’’ Mr Fendyk said.
The local community health provider had earlier revealed that it was selling off the facility as it was losing money.
Mr Fendyk said despite local concerns they would be better off as the House would be expanded, creating more employment opportunities. Up to 67 workers are currently employed at the aged-care home and that is anticipated to grow to about 100.
Bellarine MP Lisa Neville, argued that it was the last not for profit facility of its kind on the Bellarine Peninsula and meant a lot to the community.
Arcare employs more than 2,400 staff in Victoria and Queensland.
