General News
19 March, 2026
Aged care win
AFTER more than 20 years, a new retirement village will be in built in Mossman providing provide 57 units for elderly residents hoping to downsize and stay in the community.
The news was revealed during last month’s council meeting, following a heartfelt deputation to the chamber from two community representatives, Marjorie Norris and Joan Grey.
They were calling for action on vacant land earmarked for aged care, but which had sat idle since 2003.
A council officer told the meeting the State Department of Housing and Public Works had “finally approved the registration of the retirement village scheme in early January”.
Council was now “actively engaging” with the Mossman Rivers Retirement Village to enable the project to begin as soon as possible.
In a statement on Brisbane’s Pacific Retirement Estates’ website, the company said the retirement village would be “up and running” by the third quarter of 2026, and would provide fully fitted, single storey three-bedroom, two-bathroom units, with lock up garage and undercover patio.
It would also have a two-storey community hub designed to include a gymnasium, multi-function hall, kitchen, administrative offices, a covered swimming pool, change rooms and a dedicated maintenance and hobby shed.
The 2.8-hectare site off Johnston Rd is between the Mossman Hospital and the Kuburri Aged Care Centre.
According to the deputation to council, the village was “very badly needed”.
“We are an ageing community, and we have big problems,” Mrs Norris said.
“Where do people of my age and Mrs Jones age go when they can no longer look after themselves?”
Residents wanting to downsize had to relocate to Mareeba or Cairns. The new retirement village will also be next to the nursing home enabling greater flexibility.
