IOOF backs down on village

The IOOF Board has accepted that the Retirement Villages Act 1999 applies to the Umna Homes Centre, the Minister for Fair Trading Mr John Watkins has told village residents.

He said the Board's decision meant that residents may remain in their homes with existing contracts becoming binding on a new owner.

Residents had previously been led to believe that they would be forced to move out following a decision of the Board earlier this year to sell the homes.

If an operator wished to close down a village they must give more than 12 months' notice, obtain alternate accommodation of a similar standard and cost for all residents and pay reasonable relocation expenses, Mr Watkin said.

Ms Dinah Traurig from the Department of Fair Trading told a meeting of concerned residents following the announcement: "You needn't have any worries about being on the streets now or in the future," she said.

Member for Peats Ms Marie Andrews said: "This is a most positive result for the residents of the Homes Centre."

"Since the IOOF Board first told residents of the intentions to sell the Homes Centre in Umina, the residents have been fighting an uphill battle with the Board to obtain information on what will happen to them.

"The Department of Housing was helpful in finding placement for some of the residents, but the others were left not knowing where their fate lay.

"I would like to pay tribute to the members of the residents' committee for their concerted efforts in this on-going saga.

"This good outcome is largely due to their determination to fight for a just resolution," Ms Andrews said.

Village resident Mrs Marj Cleere said the committee was happy with the result.

Jonathan Reichard, August 28