The leading candidate is McLean Care Ltd, a community-owned not-for-profit organisation that has provided aged care to the North-West and Queensland’s Darling Downs region since 1953.

Council, in collaboration with the Guyra Aged Care Advisory Committee, invited last year suitably qualified specialist residential aged care providers to submit tenders to run the facility.

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“The new state-of-the-art 32-bed Kolora facility and the recent successful accreditation make the new Kolora an attractive proposition for aged care providers in the region,” Cr Murray said.

McLean Care submitted the only compliant tender.

At its Ordinary Council Meeting in Guyra on Wednesday, March 28, the council resolved to investigate McLean Care’s tender, and, if all matters have been satisfactorily addressed, accept it.

Mayor Simon Murray said McLean Care had a strong track record in the region for managing aged care facilities.

Council would continue to own the facility. Stability for staff and care of residents is a high priority for council to consider.

Finding a suitable tender has been a long and controversial process. The Joint Regional Planning Panel decided to build the $7.5 million dollar facility in 2013, after fears that the existing hostel’s 22 rooms would be inadequate for Guyra’s ageing population.

Some have wanted to refurbish the Kolora Homes, and others wanted a new building, while there have been worries about the long-term financial burden on ratepayers.