Funds to support ageing population

To address the rising concerns of our rapidly ageing population, the State Government has significantly invested into the region and the Shire of Kojonup has secured a share of it.

Announced last Friday, $20.2 million, through the Royalties for Regions Ageing in the Bush Program, was awarded to 13 projects in the Wheatbelt, Great Southern, South West and Peel shires.

Kojonup will successfully see the construction of six new dedicated independent living units in town with an overall budget cost of $646,000.

Shire president Ronnie Fleay said with an extensive waiting list for residents already, the announcement was welcomed.

"The excellent thing about it is, a lot of our local farmers when they want to retire, they don't have to move out of town to find accommodation that suits," she said.

"It provides them with a mix, where they are able to downsize, but remain in town near their families."

Construction of the units are expected to begin later this year, alongside $5.24 million for 14 dedicated independent living units across the shires of Dumbleyung, Wagin, Lake Grace, Williams, West Arthur, Woodanilling and Kent, and $5.137 million invested into the construction of a 14-bed dementia-specific wing at Narrogin Cottage Homes, Karrinya.

Member for Wagin Terry Waldron said current projections estimate the population of regional West Australians aged over 70 would double to 100,000 by 2026.

"Too often we forget to talk to them and ask them what they want us to be doing," he said.

"Enabling senior residents to remain socially connected and engaged in their home town brings about huge health, wellbeing and economic benefits on an individual and community level."

Great Southern Development Commission chairman Peter Rundle said the projects had been a top priority and it was fantastic to see the funds acquired so the building of the units could now begin.