31/5/02
A new resort-style retirement village with 250 apartments and motel units was opened in Mandurah today by Housing and Works Minister Tom Stephens.
The $30million Meadow Springs Estate in Portrush Parade is the latest retirement village established by the Australian Flying Corps and Royal Australian Air Force Association.
It incorporates central recreational facilities including a licensed club, three bowling greens, a croquet green, tennis courts, swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, workshop, computers with Internet access and a chapel.
Mr Stephens said the activity-based style of the retirement village recognised the fact that people were living longer, healthier, more active lives.
"While described as a retirement village, and providing the assistance and services as required by older people, it really is a superb resort, providing all the social activities in a community environment," he said.
"It fulfils a need in our changing society by enabling people to continue to live independent, social lives, while knowing that services are on call as needed.
"With the completion of the new 72-bed hostel section next February, residents can be assured that, whatever their circumstances, the accommodation options will meet their ongoing needs."
The Minister said that an added asset was the motel precinct, enabling visiting relatives to stay over a little longer and enjoy the surroundings with their family members.
He said the most recent statistics showed 14.7 per cent of the WA population were aged 60 and over. Of these, men could expect to live to 81, and women to 85.
By the year 2051 the number of people aged 60 and over is projected to double to 28.3 per cent, or about 500,000 Western Australians.
Mr Stephens said the addition of computers at Meadow Springs was a clear recognition of the health and independence of older people and their willingness to learn and keep up with the times.
The RAAFA Meadow Springs Computer Group had been granted $19,440 under the State Government's 'First Click' computer literacy initiative, aimed at helping people gain basic computing skills to support their active participation in community life.
Mr Stephens said the vision encapsulated in Meadow Springs was a tribute to the Australian Flying Corps, the Royal Australian Air Force Association and the Estate management.
He said the association was one of the largest providers of retirement units and residential aged care in the Perth metropolitan area, with other estates at Bull Creek, Merriwa and Cambrai Village.
It provided retirement housing and aged care to its members and members of kindred veterans' organisations through the development of memorial estates.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
