GREAT Lakes will be one of the first local government areas to join the Age-Friendly Cities and Community Program.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It comes after the Great Lakes Council was invited by the Council for the Ageing (COTA) to be a part of the World Health Organisation-based initiative.
Great Lakes local government area has the oldest population in the state. 2011 census statistics show almost 40 per cent of the population is over 60.
The percentage is expected to rise, leading the council to question whether enough planning is in place for a large, aged population.
The council's community services co-ordinator, Lynda Hepple, explained in her report that being part of the program would involve exchanging ideas and information to help increase a knowledge base, trends and information about ageing communities.
"COTA has offered the program to the council at a reduced, pilot rate of $10,000. It is estimated that the Great Lakes Council will benefit from an estimated $30,000 worth of consultancy expertise."