THE Sunshine Coast faces unprecedented pressure to improve services for older residents with new figures showing over 150,000 people aged 60+ will call the region home by 2042.
Australian Bureau of Statistics population estimates forecast an extra 85,000 people in the 60+ age bracket will move to the area by 2042 including a 240 per cent increase in those aged 85 and over.
Experts say the forecasts have wide-spread ramifications on the inevitable demand for aged care-focused social services and infrastructure.
Regional Development Australia Sunshine Coast CEO Paul Fisher said the appeal of the region to retirees – the lure of a sub tropic climate, coastal and hinterland escapes and laid-back lifestyle and the ability to down size – was a given.
And with turbo-charged population patterns, rigorous planning was paramount to accommodate this demographic.
Delays, especially in complex and already expensive infrastructure would create a burden on already congested roads, and Mr Fisher nominated the current lack of transport connectivity across the region at the top of his concerns. GC&M News last year explored the challenges faced by hinterland residents getting to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, finding it was quicker to get to Royal Brisbane Hospital for some.
The issue goes beyond planning for the 2032 Olympic Games, which has been seen by many as the go-to catalyst for the heavy rail connection.
“The need to upgrade our current transport infrastructure is crucially important,” he said.
“We need to be improving our road, rail, and mass transit options now, to prepare for future and ageing growth.
“Connectivity between hinterland and the coast is a known issue and there is a very public and ongoing campaign to advocate for a rail connection between Beerwah and Maroochydore.”
Mr Fisher said while there had been some improvements to roads, rail and mass transit, key projects including the Beerwah to Maroochydore rail link were still not funded or finalised.
“There has been far too much complacency in the funding arena and the fiscal impasse between the State and Federal, with heavy rail connectivity needing to be addressed immediately, to allow time for workforce and materials,” he said.
“We literally can have no more delays if we want to be ready for the Olympics and predicted population growth.”
Mr Fisher also highlighted the need to ensure improved digital connectivity, to allow an older cohort to access vital information, health and community support services, and transport options.
Another key issue was the growing lack of affordable and accessible housing options, with current issues around supply only set to increase.
Mr Fisher suggested a key question should also be around future costs, and who and how these projects would be funded.
Glasshouse Country Chamber of Commerce president, Jenny Broderick, said future access to facilities, health and specialist services was vital for the regions elderly, as well as having a basic public transport system that provided regular, logical, and accessible services.
“We need to be preparing now,” Ms Broderick said.
“A lack of foresight and planning has left us in a position of playing catchup in regard to infrastructure, transport, and town planning.
“We need our elderly to be able to access all that they need within our own region, without being required to travel too far.
“We also need to encourage a diverse range of businesses to embed in our growing area, and support them so they are able to support us.”
Glasshouse Country Care general manager, Clare Mullins, said it was difficult to plan ahead given significant changes underway in the aged care sector including changes to the home care support system, which were not scheduled for release until 2025. She said going forward there would be no doubt a greater focus would be required for specialist residential housing and respite care, and improved local transport accessibility and localised services would be a huge consideration that needed to be addressed sooner rather than later.
RangeCare’s Jess Garey said future funding would need to be increased and the medical, disability and supporting allied health system would require a massive overhaul to keep up with the demands of an ageing community. Local access and availability to retail and services, as well as social support networks and programs would be critical, with planning needed now to ensure future delivery.
To read more from our May 23 Senior’s feature, visit https://issuu.com/glasshousecountrynews/docs/hinterland_seniors_may_2023?fr=sZThmYTYwNzI0MjU .
