Heightened COVID-19 risk to Retirement Villages

The Property Council and National Retirement Living Council have been working around the clock to support our members in the Retirement Living sector by seeking clarification from State Governments on numerous issues arising from the COVID-19 outbreak.

Over the past fortnight, we have written to Premier Mark McGowan, Health Minister Roger Cook and Commerce Minister John Quigley to inform them of the significant impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on Retirement Villages.

The issues canvassed in these communications have included self-isolation and social distancing in retirement villages, the closure of common and communal facilities within villages, the elevated risks that villages face due to resident demographics and annual residents’ budget meeting compliance.

This morning, Property Council and Retirement Living Council staff hosted an industry teleconference for Retirement Village operators to check-in with how operators are managing the various challenges facing the sector through the pandemic. These teleconferences are being held around the country and are identifying issues as new restrictions and consequences develop. It also provides the opportunity for village operators to share information about how they have been able to manage certain elements of the issues this pandemic brings.

Any members with queries or feedback on the impacts to Retirement Living from the COVID-19 pandemic are encouraged to contact Nick Warland, Policy Advisor on [email protected].

To keep up to date, visit the Property Council’s COVID-19 website that includes Advocacy Alerts from around Australia, state specific and retirement living information.