Kalamunda aged care facility on WAPC agenda

Planning Minister John Day has confirmed the Western Australian Planning Commission will consider the Shire of Kalamunda's request to amend the Metropolitan Region Scheme to facilitate aged persons' accommodation in Kalamunda.

  • WAPC to consider amendment to facilitate Kalamunda aged care accommodation

  • Shire of Kalamunda has identified site for development of aged care facilities

  • Land close to amenities and services within town centre

Planning Minister John Day has confirmed the Western Australian Planning Commission will consider the Shire of Kalamunda's request to amend the Metropolitan Region Scheme to facilitate aged persons' accommodation in Kalamunda.

Mr Day said the shire would also seek to amend its Local Planning Scheme to rezone its chosen site to Special Use to accommodate an aged care facility.

"This concurrent process was agreed upon after a meeting between the director general of the Department of Planning and chairman of the WAPC, Eric Lumsden, and the Shire of Kalamunda and will expedite the process," he said.

"The land, which has an area of more than 10 hectares, is at Lot 59 on Wilkins Road and has been identified by the Shire of Kalamunda as a viable site for the development of integrated aged care facilities in the hills area.

"It is close to amenities and services within the town centre, and therefore the WAPC and I will seriously consider it as a suitable site for an aged care facility."

The Minister said the issue of an ageing population was Australia-wide and the State Government had already put in place planning reform and State-wide strategies to deal with this trend.

"Providing adequate aged-care accommodation is a priority and certainly one of the main issues to come out of the draft Shire of Kalamunda Local Planning Strategy," he said.

"With 94 per cent of the shire's housing stock being single residential housing on big lots, there is a need for different types of properties to meet the needs of an ageing population.

"I am well aware of the need in the local community for additional aged care facilities and have previously advised the shire that I will do whatever I reasonably can to assist. It is pleasing that Mr Lumsden, as director general and chairman, has been able to facilitate the process."

Fact File

  • The site is close to amenities within the town centre

  • One in three people will be over 55 years by 2031; more than half of these will be over 70

  • More information at: http://www.planning.wa.gov.au  

Minister's office - 6552 6200