Carnamah joint venture benefits seniors

7/11/03
A new retirement village in Carnamah has reaffirmed the State Government's commitment to seniors' accommodation in regional Western Australia.
Housing and Works Minister Nick Griffiths today praised the work of the Carnamah Retirement Homes Committee group for its untiring efforts in partnership with the Department of Housing and Works.
Yarra Yarra Village, with three two-bedroom units and one, one-bedroom unit for seniors, was now a reality.
It was officially opened today by long-term Carnamah resident Alice Grearson, a member of the Carnamah Retirement Homes Committee.
"The Government would like to thank the committee for its outstanding contribution and impressive foresight," Mr Griffiths said.
"Aged care is a crucial issue. WA, like the rest of Australia, is experiencing an era of unprecedented growth in its ageing population.
"Our State's population of people aged 65 years and older is growing at a rate of 3.5 per cent per year, and as baby boomers move into retirement there will be a huge demand for seniors' accommodation.
"Units such as these allow senior citizens the option of remaining in their hometowns, close to friends and family. It's why joint venture initiatives with organisations, such as that with the Shire of Carnamah, are so important."

Mr Griffiths said the very successful joint venture program allowed non-profit incorporated groups and local authorities to provide locally managed housing for designated groups.
The new units in Caron Street, Carnamah were designed by architect Colin Cockram and built by P S Chester and Son builders for $469,029.
Carnamah Shire provided the land and with the local community contributed $141,000 to the project by way of site works, landscaping, retaining walls and airconditioning.
The units offered features for seniors such as a level threshold entrance, andwheelchair access to external doors. They were also provided with wider carports, extra patio coverage and a treatment unit for waste disposal.
Minister's office: 9222 8950