Carnarvon housing project helps seniors and generates local jobs

Housing Minister Peter Tinley today officially opened 15 new seniors' accommodation units in Carnarvon.

Mr Tinley said the Department of Community Services partnered with the Gascoyne Memorial Foundation in developing the additional units at the Foundation's existing seniors' complex.

The State Government funded construction through the Department of Community Services and the Gascoyne Revitalisation Program.

The additional units provide new opportunities for residents to access affordable, age-appropriate homes close to services and amenities.

The department has had a historical involvement with the project site, having facilitated construction of the original 35 units between 1984 and 1992.

The Gascoyne Memorial Foundation has grown that complex and its partnership with the State Government has facilitated a significant expansion.

Construction cost $4.7 million with works undertaken by two local contractors; Griffin Civil and Northern Aspects Construction. A local workforce used timber framed construction to build the units in just 38 weeks.

Comments attributed to Housing Minister Peter Tinley:

"A growing number of Carnarvon residents are reaching retirement age and need to access suitable and affordable housing close to their families.

"These new homes are a short stroll from the Carnarvon Central shopping centre, restaurants and cafes, the Carnarvon Medical Centre, the Seniors Citizen Centre, parklands and various recreational activities.

"The successful delivery of this project will have long lasting benefits, not just for the residents that live in these homes, but for the wider Carnarvon community.

"Addressing the requirements of an ageing population is a shared responsibility that crosses the whole of government and the community.  There is great value in helping seniors in regional WA to remain in their communities as they age. Allowing them to 'age in place' benefits local communities by facilitating social connectivity and activity.

"The Department of Community Services is currently developing a seniors housing strategy that focuses on helping older Western Australians on low to moderate incomes to access and sustain