The MidCoast Council draft ageing strategy has been described as a great body of work by councillor, Len Roberts.
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Cr Roberts was commenting on council's first ageing strategy prior to its release for public exhibition at the September monthly ordinary meeting.
"We are an aging population; the Mid Coast local government area (LGA) has the oldest demographic in NSW, possibly Australia, the second is Victor Harbour (SA)," Cr Roberts said.
Tuncurry has been identified the community with the third oldest demographic, Cr Roberts said.
Approximately 27,000 or 29 per cent of the Mid Coast LGA are aged over 65 years compared to the regional NSW average of 20 per cent.
By 2035 that is projected to increase by 4.5 per cent to 38,000 people or 33.5 per cent of the total population.
"With such a high proportion of the population being 'older' it is essential that MidCoast Council, local service providers and community organisations plan and prepare for the needs of an aging population," community development officer, Calypso Watson says.
"The draft ageing strategy provides a framework to address the challenges faced by our older residents.
We are an aging population; the Mid Coast local government area (LGA) has the oldest demographic in NSW, possibly Australia, the second is Victor Harbour (SA).
- MidCoast Council councillor, Len Roberts
"Living in a LGA covering more than 10,000 square kilometres, the needs of the older population in the Mid Coast LGA are complicated by factors including distance between communities and facilities, limited transport options and difficulty accessing health services."
From January to June this year more than 700 people across more than 60 Mid Coast communities were consulted and asked to provide feedback on five focus areas - health and wellbeing, working and retiring, getting around, housing choices, and inclusive communities.
The development of an ageing strategy is considered important to ensure that the needs of older people are considered and our community is age-friendly and inclusive, Ms Watson says.
We have a very active aging population; most people enjoy walks, going to the beach and sport, Cr Roberts said.
The main thing people want is walking trails and paths and connectivity, he said.
"We do not have the budget to address this fast enough."
The strategy, which would go on display for 28 business days in early October, was passed unanimously by councillors
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Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
