Plans have been submitted to develop the retirement village in Gordonvale, a small town approximately 25km south of central Cairns.

The plans were submitted by Gilvear Planning on behalf of the family of the late Rose Straguszi, a prominent Gordonvale resident who passed away late last year.

The executors of Ms Straguszi’s will are looking to build 96 three-bedroom apartments plus 44 two-bedroom apartments and 22 single-bed units at the Draper Road site, which is currently home to a sugarcane farm.

If approved, the development would significantly increase the living options for the region’s retirees.

Locals have access to the nearby 52-bed Pyramid Residential Care aged care home, but the nearest retirement villages are located in Cairns.