Building projects to support independent living

Monday, 17 October 2016

• $4.75 million to support ageing people and people with disability in Cunderdin and Pingelly
• Projects to be built and managed by the shires of Cunderdin and Pingelly
• Part of the $500 million Southern Inland Health Initiative, made possible by the Liberal National Government's Royalties for Regions program 

Two projects which will provide a new model of housing for older people and those with disability in Cunderdin and Pingelly are making progress, with both heading into the design phase.

Health Minister John Day and Regional Development Minister Terry Redman announced the $4.75 million innovative age-appropriate accommodation projects in May 2016 as part of the Southern Inland Health Initiative, funded by Royalties for Regions.

"Pindan Modular has been selected to design and build the age-appropriate accommodation in Cunderdin, and iredale pedersen hook architects have been chosen for Pingelly," Mr Day said.

"This will benefit older people and those with disability, and is an essential part of the Liberal National Government's policy to provide efficient and sustainable community-based facilities and care.

"The accommodation will be built, owned and managed by the shires of Cunderdin and Pingelly and located within walking distance of many amenities, as we further develop age-friendly communities."

Mr Redman said the investment was fundamental to the growth of regional Western Australia.

"The new purpose-built accommodation will support people to stay in their home towns longer, even if their needs change," he said.

"In what is a first for the Wheatbelt, the accommodation will also be located adjacent to new health centres, so residents will benefit from close proximity to medical care."

Designs and elevations for Cunderdin and Pingelly are due to be completed by November and October respectively.  Construction is due to start in early 2017.

Fact File

• The $500 million Southern Inland Health Initiative is the State's single biggest investment in regional health care
• The age-appropriate accommodation in Cunderdin and Pingelly caters for Aboriginals aged 45 and over, older people 65 and over, and people with disability
• For more information, visit http://www.health.wa.gov.au/southerninland