WA Govt land deal tied to future aged care project
WA backs new aged care housing project
- Land discount: Crown land sold at 72% reduction
- Regional housing: up to five homes planned
- Bed shortage: WA needs thousands more places
- Project uncertainty: final accommodation model still unclear
A regional council has secured State Government land at a heavily discounted price under an agreement linked to the delivery of accommodation for older residents.
The West Australian Government has announced the sale of Crown land in Darkan, 200km southeast of Perth, for a 72% discount to create the new accommodation.
The 6,761sqm parcel of land sits opposite over-55s housing operated by Not For Profit West Arthur Cottage Homes.
The Government is yet to determine if the new beds will be residential aged care or ILUs, but a WA Government statement says up to five homes could be built.
The land will be owned by the Shire of West Arthur. Once the new accommodation is complete, it will be transferred to West Arthur Cottage Homes to be operated.
Work is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027, supported by funding from the Federal Government’s $1.5 billion Regional Housing Support Program – Stream 2.
“There is a significant demand for more aged care beds, and the Cook Government is stepping in to support older Western Australians access the care they need close to home and in their communities,” said Aged Care and Seniors Minister Simone McGurk.
“We know that we are facing a rapidly ageing population and that the demand for more residential aged care beds is increasing.
“Modelling shows that WA will need approximately between 1,600 to 2,700 new residential aged care beds by the end of 2030.”
Western Australia is experiencing a severe shortage of residential aged care beds.
Last month, a record monthly number of ambulances were ramped outside the State’s hospitals, with more than 300 older patients occupying beds while they are unable to access aged care services.
The States have also been under pressure in recent weeks from Federal Health, Disability and Ageing Minister Mark Butler, who claimed State development application processes are slowing aged care developments.
