A welcomed and timely measure

The Property Council of Australia has congratulated the Western Australian Government and Seniors and Ageing Minister Don Punch on the updated toolkit for ‘Creating Age-Friendly Communities in Western Australia’ guide. 

Australia is on the cusp of a silver tsunami and every action government takes to encourage healthy ageing and help reduce future costs to the health system is a step in the right direction. 

Ben Myers, Executive Director – Retirement Living at the Property Council of Australia, said this guide provides much needed recognition of the role age-friendly communities play in supporting older Western Australians to live independently. 

“It’s now up to all government departments, as well as local governments, to translate this guide into common sense decisions that improve planning and regulations. 

“This can ensure Western Australians have access to affordable and attractive retirement living options across the state. 

“The Property Council of Australia looks forward to working with Government to ensure all WA seniors can live their best lives.” said Mr Myers. 

Property Council WA Executive Director, Sandra Brewer, also welcomed the updated toolkit, noting its release was timely as a review of retirement village legislation in Western Australia continued, with amendments to the Retirement Villages Act 1992 expected in 2022. 

“Retirement villages provide a range of health, lifestyle and financial benefits to older Western Australians,” Ms Brewer said. 

“We have engaged closely with the Retirement Villages Act review to ensure that reforms do not add additional regulatory impost and cost on the sector at a crucial time for seniors’ housing. 

“Providing confidence to residents, operators and investors is vital, and recognition from government about the importance of age-friendly communities reinforces the importance of enacting positive reforms that will encourage retirement village investment.”