New housing options for seniors in the South-West

Thursday, 11 August 2016 
Page Content

• ​Construction underway for new units for seniors in Boyanup and Dardanup
• 26 independent living units to be developed in Stage 1 of Housing Pilot

Boyanup and Dardanup residents are among those a step closer to benefiting from new age-appropriate housing options in the South-West, thanks to a $4.8 million investment by the Liberal National Government's Royalties for Regions program.

Housing Minister Colin Holt was in the South-West today to officially announce the start of construction of Stage 1 of Access Housing's South West Ageing in Place Housing Pilot, which will deliver 26 independent living units for seniors.

"There's no place like home and projects like this are providing people with options to remain in their communities - close to friends and family - as they grow older," Mr Holt said.  "As the population ages, it's vital communities become more age-friendly through the provision of appropriate and affordable accommodation.

"These units provide people with the choice to continue living closer to support networks in places they feel connected, instead of having to relocate to a city or bigger town."

The pilot will see 14 rental units built at Mitchell Way, Dardanup. The Boyanup project will offer nine new and three refurbished units for sale at Thomas Street, with proceeds from the sale of the 12 units reinvested to build more housing as part of a second stage of the project.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the $4.8 million Royalties for Regions investment, part of the $600 million Growing Our South initiative, was making the South West Ageing in Place Housing Pilot possible.

"This is a great example of the State Government, local government and the not-for-profit sector working together to meet the needs of regional communities," Mr Redman said. "Other Royalties for Regions-backed projects taking shape in the South-West that benefit senior residents include the expansion of retirement villages in Northcliffe and Pemberton.

"Developing infrastructure to support ageing in place is listed as a priority in the South West Regional Blueprint. The South West Development Commission has been working with stakeholders to build the stock of accommodation for seniors in the region."

Fact File

• Access Housing is contributing up to $1.5 million towards the delivery of 26 units
• 14 of the units will be retained by Access Housing as part of their growth commitment for social and affordable housing
• The Growing Our South initiative is a five-year $600 million Royalties for Regions program announced in the 2014-15 State Budget