5/5/07
The State Government has announced the official opening of 70 new aged care units in Embleton, built in partnership with the City of Bayswater.
Housing and Works Minister Michelle Roberts said the $8.4million hostel complex would benefit not only the residents but also the wider community.
"This project demonstrates the State Government's commitment to providing quality aged care accommodation," Mrs Roberts said.
"This project has been a great success because of the excellent relationship fostered over the years between the Department of Housing and Works and the City of Bayswater."
The State Government owns the 8,261m2 site on Embleton Avenue near the Collier Road intersection.
The Minister said the City of Bayswater Hostel was an ideal site for an aged care facility, as it was close to public transport as well as shopping and medical facilities.
"As the State's population ages, it is imperative that we continue to build accommodation which meets the needs of our seniors," she said.
The City of Bayswater funded the construction costs of the facility and negotiated a long-term lease from the Department of Housing and Works over the land.
The facility will be managed by Uniting Church Homes on behalf of the City of Bayswater.
"Although this hostel is not a State Government community housing project, the department has a number of properties under its joint venture program with the City of Bayswater," Mrs Roberts said.
"The State Government looks forward to working closely with the City of Bayswater to explore more housing project opportunities in the future."
Mrs Roberts said the State Government's focus on providing quality accommodation for seniors was evident in the number of facilities already under way.
The Minister said the Carpenter Government was making decisions for the future and working to ensure the State's strong economy was delivering better services for all Western Australians.
"Projects such as the 12 units at Bernard Way in Broome and 10-unit bedsitter conversions in Normanby Road, Inglewood are two of the highlights of this program," she said.
"The State Government is also looking at developing land in conjunction with the private sector for aged retirement villages, and the first project off the drawing board will involve a 6.5ha site at Dalyellup.
"Retirement villages provide the residents with the opportunity to be part of a community and benefit from a variety of facilities and activities in a safe and secure environment."
Minister's office - 9213 6600
