Warrnambool aged care centre's medical clinic cost concerns

Founding member and co-chair of Keep Lyndoch Living James Dunbar said the group had a number of concerns over the cost of the clinic.

"As construction of this clinic is due to start any day, we need to move quickly to avoid financial risk to Lyndoch," Professor Dunbar said.

"If the medical centre resulted in serious financial issues for Lyndoch, the viability of Lyndoch could be threatened.

"As the community has funded and built Lyndoch over the past 70 years it is imperative that the medical centre is based on a sound business plan and full transparency."

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In letters to the Minister of Ageing Luke Donnellen, Federal Member for Wannon Dan Tehan and state members Roma Britnell, Bev McArthur and Andy Meddick, Keep Lyndoch Living has raised various concerns about the medical centre construction and has sought to confirm the cost of the centre, which is believed to be $22 million.

The action group also wants to know how the centre would be funded, how loans and interest would be repaid, the business modelling of the clinic with an associated risk management plan, details of prospective tenants and the affect of the Royal Commission into Aged Care and whether this could cause other financial pressures on Lyndoch.

Keep Lyndoch Living co-chair Jim Burke said the action group was formed as a united voice as normal avenues for individuals to become involved in the project were not available.

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"Constitutional changes have been made that effectively exclude the community from attending AGMs, asking questions, or standing as members of the board," Mr Burke said.

"We have become very concerned about the viability of this project after it was reported that Allan Conway, a former Lyndoch chief finance officer, said he did not support the construction of the new clinic.

"We are seeking a meeting with Lyndoch's board.

The Keep Lyndoch Living Facebook page was launched on Sunday to provide updates to the community.

Comment on the issues raised was sought from Lyndoch Living.

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