Uniting welcomes Kingscliff planning approval — calls for continued focus on delivering seniors housing and care

Media Release                   28^th November 2025

Uniting has welcomed the NSW Government’s approval of its Kingscliff redevelopment following a comprehensive and rigorous assessment process involving Tweed Shire Council, Government agencies, independent experts and the Independent Planning Commission.

Recognising the decision as a clear step forward for older people and the region, Tracey Burton, CEO, Uniting NSW.ACT, said it gives older people in the Tweed region much-needed certainty.

“This outcome is so encouraging for residents, for the community, and for everyone working to ensure older people in NSW have access to safe, modern and purpose-built homes.

“Our plans for Uniting Kingscliff have been caught in an extended planning process for years. During that time there are many other seniors out there who need accommodation and we have been unable to meet that need.

“Today’s decision means we can finally move forward.”

Tracey said the Government’s increased focus on housing supply and its acknowledgement of the importance of seniors housing and residential aged care, is both welcome and urgently needed.

“The over-75 population is the fastest-growing age group in NSW. Yet seniors housing remains significantly undersupplied across the state.

“Purpose-built accommodation helps older people stay independent for longer, delays the need for higher-level care, and frees up family homes for others during a housing crisis.

“We acknowledge the Government’s growing attention to seniors housing and aged care delivery. Today’s decision shows what’s possible — and we’re hopeful further reforms will help get more essential projects moving.”

What approval means for Kingscliff

• A new, contemporary seniors living and aged-care community designed to meet the needs of a rapidly ageing population.
• Purpose-built homes close to family and social networks, reducing displacement of seniors to distant locations.
• A stronger foundation for coordinated care, including future opportunities for integrated care hubs and aged-care services.
• Certainty for staff and residents after years of delay and escalating project costs.

Tracey stressed Uniting’s long-standing commitment to the region: “The Tweed region is home to a rapidly ageing population, yet there is still a significant shortage of high-quality retirement living and aged care accommodation across the area.

“We’ve cared for older people in Kingscliff for decades. We’re deeply committed to supporting this community into the future, and that is why this redevelopment matters and these latest planning reforms have positive, real-world outcomes.

Local seniors deserve safe, contemporary, and purpose-built homes that help them age well, close to the people and places they love,” she said.

Looking ahead

Uniting says the approval highlights a broader lesson: when planning systems enable timely decision-making, without compromising rigorous community consultation, vital community infrastructure can progress.

“NSW needs more homes of all types, including seniors housing and residential aged care,” Tracey said.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Government on further improvements that support the faster delivery of high-quality, community-led developments across the state.”

More information on the Kingscliff redevelopment by Uniting.

*High-res renders of the redevelopment for media are available upon request.

About Uniting retirement living   

Uniting is committed to developing retirement and independent living solutions for older people across NSW and the ACT. As the largest not-for-profit provider of seniors' services in NSW and the ACT, Uniting currently has over 3,700 residents living independently across 24 independent living communities. Residents embrace an active lifestyle with care available when needed. Over the next decade Uniting will continue to invest in new retirement and independent living communities that generate financial returns that can assist to deliver social impact through concessional aged care, low-cost rental housing and social impact projects across the organisation.