Blue Haven CEO Kerry McMurray today toured the construction site with Mayor Mark Honey and Member for Kiama Gareth Ward.

“Since construction started in February, we have had 136 workers on the site, who have racked up more than 24,000 hours of work,” Mr McMurray said.

“Despite the early June rain there has been not lost time due to weather. Importantly there have been no major injuries either.”

Mr McMurray said there were 27 different types of specialists working on this project. They include the people operating the earthmoving equipment to the civil and structural engineers, and the various specialist consultants focussing on landscaping, bushfire risk, heritage management and interior design.

“Excavation is continuing for the aged care facility but concrete slabs have already been poured for the independent living units and the community services offices.”

“So far 10,000 tonnes of rock and soil have been removed from the site with 2,500 tonnes out of a total of 10,000 tonnes of concrete poured.”

“All this has seen $21 million spent of an estimated $106 million dollars.”

Mayor Mark Honey praised everyone involved in the Blue Haven Bonaira project for ensuring it remained on track.

“This is a big project and a big commitment by Kiama Council. But it’s a vital one for our community if it’s to meet the challenges of our ageing population in coming decades,” Councillor Honey said.

“The good news is everything remains on track for completion around September 2019.”

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP said that it was very exciting to see the on-ground results of the NSW Government investment in Blue Haven Bonaira.

“I’m very proud to be part of this project that will deliver important services and support for our community for many years to come,” he said.

“I am also pleased to have secured a total of $18 million from the NSW Government, including $8 million through the Restart NSW Illawarra Infrastructure Fund, towards this Blue Haven Bonaira project.”

When finished the Blue Haven Bonaira complex will boast 59 independent living units as well as Barroul Care Home which will accommodate 134 residents.

The 59 Independent Living Units at Blue Haven Bonaira are contained within four buildings, all accessed via a private road.

Each unit includes secure underground car parking for one vehicle, with full lift access throughout all buildings.

Residents from the existing Blue Haven Care Home in Havilah Place, will be relocated to Barroul Care Home.

Kiama Council is examining options for the Havilah Place site once it is vacant.

The Independent Living Units at Blue Haven Bonaira will be allocated by ballot, the same manner used to allocate units at Blue Haven Terralong.