The formal commencement of a $30-million investment in Townsville kicked off yesterday with Mendi Constructions unveiled as the civil partner for Carinity’s Fairfield Grange retirement community project.

Townsville City Acting Mayor Cr Les Walker officially launched civil work on site by cutting a giant ribbon suspended between earthmoving equipment, followed by the formal opening of The Avenues at Fairfield Grange’s display villa as part of Carinity’s highly anticipated boutique retirement village at Idalia.

Cr Walker says The Avenues at Fairfield Grange, opposite The Precinct urban village, will provide job opportunities for locals and accommodation options for Townsville seniors.

“Carinity’s decision to begin construction reflects their confidence in the Townsville community and it’s even better they have selected a Townsville-based company to build their project,” Cr Walker said.

“There’s no doubt these sorts of facilities are in high demand in our community and it’s fantastic that they are also helping to create jobs for locals during construction.”

Carinity’s Business Development and Marketing Manager James Woods says: “We are delighted to engage local firms for the design and construction of this unique village. Carinity has already created over 100 new jobs with its aged-care facility in Townsville and this development will continue to bolster the local economy.”

James says The Avenues at Fairfield Grange will provide much-needed accommodation for Townsville seniors and the region’s growing ageing population.

The number of people aged 65 years and over living in Townsville is expected to rise by 56% by 2028.  Townsville’s senior population is projected to almost double to more than 60,000 people in 20 years. ^t

James says the first stage of the 76 retirement villas, designed by local consultants i4architecture and within walking distance to conveniences and public transport and 6km from Townsville CBD, is expected to be completed by June next year.

Mendi Managing Director Jeff Doyle says Carinity’s project will continue to boost employment opportunities for local people.

“Carinity is a local organisation and it is great to see it engaging local businesses and local people. We’re really pleased to be involved in helping to build this remarkable project,” Jeff says.

“This is an important project for the local community and it’s fantastic to see organisations such as Carinity continue their investment in the city. Mendi have worked closely with the Carinity team to date and look forward to delivering this very important piece of infrastructure.

“Approximately 35 locals will be involved in the civil works throughout the six-month construction period”.

To inspect The Avenues at Fairfield Grange call 1300 060 060 or go to fairfieldgrange.org.au.

^t Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011 Census of Population and Housing and 2016 Census of Population and Housing; Queensland Government Statistician’s Office, Queensland Regional Profiles.