Mr WOOD - 2011-03-29
Recently, I raised a question in this parliament about a seniors village in the rural area in the Top End. The government is encouraging older people to stay in the Territory, and that is good for a number of reasons: the area’s economy; providing the extended family that many people had in the Territory in early years; allowing seniors to stay with their friends in familiar surroundings; and the retention of years of experience and knowledge in the Territory. When will the government release land for the construction of a seniors village in Alice Springs that is close to appropriate amenities and public transport? What is the government doing to attract organisations similar to Masonic Homes to construct and operate a seniors village in Alice Springs? When will this happen?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. During the Araluen by-election, the Northern Territory government committed to undertake a feasibility study into the development of a retirement village in Alice Springs, and we value that opportunity. Unfortunately, to date, the private sector has not shown the interest we need in the market, so government now intends to offer more support. We want to work with the industry and help to inform their investment decision.
In relation to this, the Minister for Senior Territorians is working directly with stakeholders to encourage private sector development into this market. Work has commenced on a financial viability study in relation to a commercial proposal. To inform this work, a survey of seniors in Alice Springs will soon be undertaken. The minister for seniors looks forward to the results of that survey, which relates to the potential uptake of a private sector independent living retirement village.
In relation to the supply of land, if this study determines there is the need and it would be viable, then we are very much interested. We agree that land release for this facility should take precedence. An excellent example of that would be in the new suburb of Kilgariff - a great opportunity for a seniors village.
I often come to Alice Springs, and I take great delight now, as a minister, in travelling around Alice Springs looking at the incredible developments by our government, particularly in construction and infrastructure. Twice now, I have been out to look at Albrecht Drive where we have a $5.4m development that will deliver 18 new units for seniors. The minister for Housing is very much driving this, and is a great lobbyist for senior Territorians and their housing requirements.
Making Alice Springs a retirement hub is also a commitment from our visionary Territory 2030 plan. That has great merit. When we talk about 2030, we talk about a vision from Territorians. It came from the grassroots. I believe Alice Springs is a superb place for retirement, and we back that, but it also came from Territorians.
In relation to the member’s question, we have to work with the private sector on this. Government is in the space of providing land. We feel that Kilgariff is a great opportunity, and we want to hear from seniors in Alice Springs and throughout the Territory about these issues. The minister for seniors is definitely in that space.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. During the Araluen by-election, the Northern Territory government committed to undertake a feasibility study into the development of a retirement village in Alice Springs, and we value that opportunity. Unfortunately, to date, the private sector has not shown the interest we need in the market, so government now intends to offer more support. We want to work with the industry and help to inform their investment decision.
In relation to this, the Minister for Senior Territorians is working directly with stakeholders to encourage private sector development into this market. Work has commenced on a financial viability study in relation to a commercial proposal. To inform this work, a survey of seniors in Alice Springs will soon be undertaken. The minister for seniors looks forward to the results of that survey, which relates to the potential uptake of a private sector independent living retirement village.
In relation to the supply of land, if this study determines there is the need and it would be viable, then we are very much interested. We agree that land release for this facility should take precedence. An excellent example of that would be in the new suburb of Kilgariff - a great opportunity for a seniors village.
I often come to Alice Springs, and I take great delight now, as a minister, in travelling around Alice Springs looking at the incredible developments by our government, particularly in construction and infrastructure. Twice now, I have been out to look at Albrecht Drive where we have a $5.4m development that will deliver 18 new units for seniors. The minister for Housing is very much driving this, and is a great lobbyist for senior Territorians and their housing requirements.
Making Alice Springs a retirement hub is also a commitment from our visionary Territory 2030 plan. That has great merit. When we talk about 2030, we talk about a vision from Territorians. It came from the grassroots. I believe Alice Springs is a superb place for retirement, and we back that, but it also came from Territorians.
In relation to the member’s question, we have to work with the private sector on this. Government is in the space of providing land. We feel that Kilgariff is a great opportunity, and we want to hear from seniors in Alice Springs and throughout the Territory about these issues. The minister for seniors is definitely in that space.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016