Jun 22, 2018

Housing for Australia’s ‘silver tsunami’ needs better planning

Australia is about to experience a ‘silver tsunami’ with the population aged over 65 growing at a rate never seen before.

However, this booming demographic risks fewer and poorer housing options unless our state and territory governments do a better job of planning for housing for older Australians, including retirement villages.

The Retirement Living Planning Report Card, published by Urbis and commissioned by the Property Council of Australia, assesses states and territories on their performance in planning for seniors housing, with South Australia ranked first overall.

The Report Card includes four key recommendations for reform of planning to deliver better outcomes for the housing needs of older Australians:

  1. Increase land availability
  2. Support more commercially viable developments
  3. Improve alignment with market needs
  4. Elevate retirement living to state importance in planning schemes.

With more than 3.7 million Australians aged 65 and over, it’s vital that age appropriate housing options exist in all parts of our major cities to meet increased demand, says Ben Myers, Executive Director – Retirement Living at the Property Council.

“The Retirement Living Planning Report Card shows that our states, together with local governments, can provide a more strategic role in ensuring there is land available for forms of seniors housing, like retirement villages and other independent living communities,” Mr Myers says.

“Issues such as zoning and overly restrictive height controls can inhibit the redevelopment potential of existing communities to ensure the expectations of Australian retirees are met.

“Without changes to planning policy and improved awareness at council level, seniors may find their choices limited, and be more likely to be stuck in homes that reduce their ability to stay independent and healthy.

“Retirees would benefit greatly from specific seniors housing policies and targets, to promote appropriate development, to ensure there are options available for people aged 65 and over.”

Kylie Newcombe, Associate Director at Urbis and author of the report card, says, “When it comes to scoring planning systems, the scores are low overall with no single state standing out as an exemplar.

“We need to switch the mindset from planning as a barrier, to planning as an enabler.

“Common hurdles to developing seniors housing are the ongoing competition for land, historic zoning and height restrictions, and a general lack of understanding of the market’s needs by authorities.

“Ideally, there would be a more flexible approach that is tailored to what seniors need and want,” Ms Newcombe says.

The Retirement Living Planning Report Card can be downloaded from www.propertycouncil.com.au.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Aged care assessors’ mental health under strain

  Staff who assess aged care facilities in Australia are over worked, stressed and feel unsupported at work, according to a recent survey. Assessors from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission have reported low levels of wellbeing in a survey by The Community and Public Sector Union. The survey’s outcomes have raised concerns that... Read More

We’ve become used to wearing masks during COVID – but does that mean the habit will stick?

When COVID-19 restrictions in Australia eventually shift to the approach of ‘living with the virus,’ will mask-wearing become the norm when it becomes a personal matter of responsibility? Read More

45 families step up to volunteer at nursing home amid staff crisis

Amid the staff shortage crisis in aged care, Noosa Care made an urgent call to loved ones of their residents, asking if any would be willing to volunteer their time to assist with day-to-day operations. Read More
Advertisement