2/08/05
Housing for Esperance seniors’ has received a huge boost with the opening of a new $1.6million complex and the announcement of plans for 16 aged care home units.
Housing and Works Minister Francis Logan officially opened the 14-unit seniors complex in Randell Street today.
“The Government acknowledges that there is an ageing population and a strong demand for good quality, low-cost housing from seniors,” Mr Logan said.
“The Department of Housing and Works recognises this growing demand and has been instrumental in securing land and building homes with good access to all services in Esperance.
“This complex in Randell Street will go a long way to addressing this demand.
“Some tenants have already moved in and they have indicated that they are happy with the housing and its close proximity to shopping, medical services, the hospital and other facilities and services for seniors.”
The Minister praised the Esperance Shire Council and local property owners for co-operating to remove a 12m sand dune that had piled up near the complex during the winter storms.
“Their willingness to co-operate resulted in a site which sloped gradually from the rear to the front, enabling architect Franco Carozzi to come up with an outstanding design,” he said.
Mr Logan also praised the excellent work of the Sime Building Company.
In another welcome addition to aged care facilities in Esperance, Mr Logan said Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan had given the green light for land tenure to allow 16 ancillary home units to be built at the corner of Randell and Brazier Streets.
The units will be managed by the Esperance Aged Care Facility.
“The release of this land means this important development can now go ahead to help take the pressure off families and solve some of the local ancillary accommodation issues,” Mr Logan said.
“Having housing so close to existing aged care premises will help family members maintain close contact with a relative or spouse, currently being cared for in the adjoining facility.”
Mr Logan added that the close proximity of the existing aged care facility would mean that elderly residents of the new development could access existing support services such as meal delivery, emergency call services and assistance with general domestic duties.
“As ancillary accommodation, this development will provide a very necessary addition to Esperance’s aged care infrastructure, while at the same time benefiting the broader community by helping families from regional WA to stay in contact,” he said.
“We are making sure that regional Western Australia receives its fair share.”
Minister's office: 9222 8950
