Eurobodalla Council has endorsed a proposal to transition out of its disability services, aged care packages, and seniors respite services in 2025.
The proposal is subject to confirmation that other providers can support clients, a staff consultation, and the development of detailed plans prior to a transition starting.
Councillors voted on Tuesday to exit the services by October after more than three decades of operation.
Eurobodalla Mayor Mathew Hatcher said staff and clients are being advised of the change, noting that services will continue as they are for now.
Cr Hatcher highlighted the very positive impact that all of Council's community care services have had on the community for many years.
"This decision reflects the changes that have occurred in the aged care and disability sectors, the challenges facing providers, and in particular non-specialist providers like councils.
"We've seen a number of New South Wales councils exiting these services of late, including our neighbours in Bega," he said.
The decision comes after an independent review of the Council's community care services late last year and will affect around 148 clients and 75 full time, part time and casual staff in Council's NDIS programs, HomeCare packages, and seniors respite service.
Council's community transport and individual and group social support programs are not part of the proposal and will continue to operate.
Mayor Hatcher said it's important to know there are no immediate changes to services, and that the exit is carefully planned and sensitively considers those impacted.
"We will continue to deliver services to our clients as normal for now," the Mayor said.
"We want the community to be reassured that looking after our clients and staff is the priority. We will have a transition plan in place that ensures our clients will be well supported in making decisions about changing providers, and our staff will be supported to find other work."
A further report to Council will occur in May 2025, with updates around the capacity of other providers to take on clients, discussions with government agencies and the results of the staff consultation.
- This news item was sent as a media release.
