Following the recent announcement by the NSW government of the inclusion of sprinklers as necessary in aged-care homes and facilities, it is being expected that a number of nursing homes will have to be closed.

The decision has been made after encountering last November's dreadful case at Quakers Hill, where fire lead to the death of 11 elderly people. The nursing home was reported to be not assisted with the sprinklers.

Planning Minister Brad Hazzard declared today that each nursing home will be fitted with automatic sprinkler systems. As many as 600 nursing homes, assisting 24,000 beds, in NSW have been listed out to be installed with the system.

The companies that will be given the contract of installing the sprinklers will be provided a three years time to complete the work. However, in case of exceptional cases, they will be given an extension for one year.

Mr. Hazzard noted: "Some operators could struggle to fund the measure, which could cost up to $10,000 per resident, but the government would be sensible about implementing the reform".

The funds subjected for the care of the elderly are raised by the Commonwealth. However, in case of the facility concerns, including the fire safety are a responsibility of the state and territory government. But none of them is ready to fund the installation of sprinklers.