Residents in the Western Australian town of Dunsborough will benefit from the construction of the town's first aged-care residential complex, set to open in mid-2021.
Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories and Forrest MP Nola Marino said the project, which would include a high-needs care facility, independent living units and new premises for the Dunsborough branch of the Country Women's Association, will greatly benefit the Dunsborough community.
"What this project means for the Dunsborough community is that residents can live well in their community as they age," she said.
"Other benefits of this project include employment, with the project supporting 75 jobs during construction and creating another 60 ongoing positions, which will support our region well into the future."
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the Australian Government's $7.1 million investment in the residential complex would provide long-term benefits to Dunsborough and its surrounding region.
"In addition to improving health outcomes in Dunsborough, this investment will also produce long-term economic benefits for the region through making it a more viable place to live for Australians of all ages and health requirements," he said.
"The project will also reduce pressure on the regional hospital system as the population ages, as well as provide ongoing opportunities for local businesses to provide goods and services to the complex."
Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the project would provide significant social benefits for Dunsborough residents.
"The new facilities will create opportunities for aged members of the community to maintain connections through activities such as an inter-generational playgroup, excursions, fitness programs and other social activities," she said.
"The complex will also notably provide 40 per cent of residential beds to disadvantaged people without the financial resources normally required to reside in these facilities."
Vasse MLA Libby Mettam said the complex's dementia care facility would make a difference in the lives of elderly Dunsborough residents needing support.
"The new dementia care facility will have 80 beds as well as treatment and lounge areas, commercial and kitchen facilities, dining areas and office and storage space," she said.
"Having access to such facilities locally means Dunsborough residents will no longer have to move away from their community, family, social and support networks when they need residential care."
This project received $7.1 million in funding from the Australian Government under the Building Better Regions Fund, an $841 million investment designed to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities across Australia.
The Western Australian Government provided $2.5 million and the Ray Village Aged Services Inc. (trading as Capecare) provided $23.8 million towards the project. Capecare has also provided an in-kind contribution valued at $4.59 million.
