Home Property Australia MONASH GREEN RETIREMENT VILLAGE

MONASH GREEN RETIREMENT VILLAGE

  • September 01, 2017

Earlier this month, Monash Green Retirement Village in Tuggeranong was named Australia’s best retirement living development for 2015.

The development demonstrates why downsizing can mean upscaling in terms of liveability, amenity and connection with the community.

Goodwin Age Care Services Limited, Canberra’s largest aged care provider, was presented with the ‘Best Retirement Living Development’ accolade at the 2015 Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards.

Around Australia, the number of seniors wanting to live in retirement villages is forecast to double by 2025 – rising to 382,000 nationally. 

In Canberra, around 15 per cent of our population will be over 65 by 2023, so it makes sense that we create a range of housing options for people who want to remain close to family, friends and familiar services in their community.  This is exactly what Monash Green does.

Constructed over seven years, the predominantly low-rise retirement village features a range of simple but effective design initiatives that promote healthy, active and connected lifestyles – from buildings clustered around a small lake, to an extensive pedestrian network and themed garden areas. 

Community facilities – including a clubhouse, mini golf course, bowling green, café, hairdresser and other community services – are co-located for convenience.  The 150 independent living units facilitate ageing in place, while the two-storey residential aged care facility provides 120 beds.

We desperately need more developments like Monash Green in Canberra.  Our 31 retirement living villages are home to 2,260 people, with a further 1,500 or so independent living units in the mix.  However, the pipeline of retirement living options will not meet the current demand.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare argues that most people want to ‘age in place’ – but that they don’t necessarily want to remain in the family home. Helping people to downsize to accommodation more appropriate for their stage of life can lower public health costs, and ensure older Australians retain their independence for longer.

Livable, affordable, versatile retirement living options are urgently required – whether that’s a retirement living village or a smaller dual occupancy home in the suburb someone has called home for years.  It’s about choice and quality – and Monash Green provides both.

Catherine Carter is ACT Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia