Dunedoo Independent Living Project

The Dunedoo Independent Living Project aims to provide modern independent living accommodation in Dunedoo to support older residents and help people remain living within their local community. It is part of Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting the growth, wellbeing, and long‑term sustainability of the Dunedoo community by expanding access to modern, and adaptable housing options for seniors and independent residents. The proposed independent living units are intended to meet growing local demand for safe, secure, and age‑appropriate accommodation, enabling residents to remain connected to their community while enjoying a high standard of living.

Location

The former Dunedoo Hospital location, identified as Lot 10 DP 1239415, Sullivan Street, Dunedoo.

Scope

Demolition of structures and remediation of the site. Construction of two-bedroom independent living units and associated civil infrastructure, construction of a turn in lane from Sullivan Street into the site, and a connecting pathway into Dunedoo CBD. NSW Public Works are carrying out the planning for the site along with Council staff.

Funding

The project budget is $7,522,237.  This is made up of $576,000 from the Federal Governments Community Development Grants Program; $3,830,871 from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Restart NSW Program; and EnergyCo have contributed $3,115,356 through their Legacy Fund.

Timing

The Project must be completed by the end of 2028. 

Project Documents

With assistance from Public Works, Council engaged, NBRS, a qualified Principal Design Consultancy to prepare a concept design the development of four, two-bedroom dual occupancy independent living units. NBRS were required to review historical site data and reports, explore site opportunities, constraints, servicing needs, and layout efficiency to produce a concept design that reflects best‑practice planning, accessibility, and sustainability principles. The concept that was developed complies with the latest standards, codes, guidelines and other standard documents relevant to this type of project. Some examples include the Seniors Housing Design Guide, Livable Housing Design Guidelines, National Construction Code and Building Code of Australia.

Dunedoo ILU Site Concept Layout whole(PDF, 137KB)

Dunedoo ILU Site Concept Layout zoomed(PDF, 87KB)

The masterplan has considered passive solar design. Significant roof overhangs provide solar protection to the living spaces, and where possible, the rear yards have a northern orientation. Further details regarding sustainable design will be developed during the schematic and detailed design phases. Units 1, 2, 5 and 6 have rear yards with a northern aspect, whilst Units 3, 4, 7 and 8 present to the street with a northern orientation. 

Dunedoo ILU Concept Building Footprint(PDF, 256KB)

The units have been designed with a central living space and significant glazing at either end of the dwelling, taking advantage of the northern solar aspect. Significant glazing has been provided to the living areas. Bedroom 2 includes a three-panel multi-sliding door, whilst Bedroom 1 has three windows.

Dunedoo ILU Concept Building Elevations(PDF, 277KB)

The majority of the proposed construction is face brickwork. Render, shiplap (weatherboard) cladding, and timber cladding have been nominated above the large glazing panels to avoid substantial steel support of brickwork at high level. These elements also serve as a feature identifying the entry space.

August 2026

Negotiations commenced with prospective Principal Design Consultants to work through a negotiated outcome that meets the Project requirements and remains within the available project budget.  The successful Consultant will engage with the community during the design phase of the project.

The Principal Design Consultancy Services Request for Tender for the Dunedoo Golden Highway and Sullivan Street road works was released late August 2026 by NSW Public Works. This Consultancy will be required to support the Works Authorisation Deed (WAD).

Funding Deeds with EnergyCo and NSW Government have been executed and meetings continue with TfNSW, Public Works and the Project Control Group.

Overall, the Project continues to progress in accordance with the approved project program, with negotiations for the Principal Design Consultant and procurement of the Golden Highway detailed design progressing during the reporting period.

July 2026

The Request for Tender for the appointment of a Principal Design Consultant to undertake the detailed design of the Independent Living Units closed and tender submissions were evaluated by NSW Public Works and Council representatives, with the outcome and recommendation presented to Council under a separate confidential business paper. Subject to Council endorsement, the successful consultant will be engaged to commence detailed design, preparation of the Development Application and supporting documentation.

Progress has also continued on the Works Authorisation Deed (WAD) for the Golden Highway intersection and site access. Civil Design consultants have been working closely with Council and Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to address review comments received on the concept design. The majority of review comments have now been addressed, with the remaining items expected to be resolved through the detailed design process. NSW Public Works is preparing to release a Request for Tender for the detailed design of the Golden Highway intersection works during August 2026.

June 2026

• The Works Authorisation Deed (WAD) required for the Golden Highway turn-in lane and site access has been executed by the General Manager and TfNSW.
• NSW Public Works has released the Request for Tender (RFT) for the appointment of a Principal Design Consultant to undertake the detailed design of the independent living units and associated site infrastructure. The tender is scheduled to close mid-July, after which submissions will be evaluated and a preferred consultant recommended to Council.
• Meetings continue with TfNSW, Public Works and the Project Control Group.

May 2026

The site has been demolished and remediated. A Works Authorisation Deed (WAD) has been lodged with Transport for NSW seeking approval to construct the turn in lane from Sullivan Street into the site, and a tender seeking a Principal Design Consultancy to undertake to undertake full design documentation, obtain all relevant planning approvals and support the tender and construction periods is underway.