Seniors population on Coast to grow rapidly
The Sunshine Coast needs to prepare itself now for a huge increase over the next 15 years in the number of seniors (those aged 65 and over) living here.
Research by the University of the Sunshine Coast has found that the region can expect a 250% increase in the number of seniors between now and 2022, compared to the anticipated State average increase of 150% in that time.
USC lecturer Dr Scott Prasser will present this research, sponsored by Munro Thompson Lawyers, at the third annual State of the Region Conference at the University on Tuesday 30 October.
Dr Prasser said time was of the essence in preparing the Coast for the housing, transport, safety, health and other needs of seniors in the years ahead.
“While this increase in seniors will provide many important new business opportunities, it also will impose many special issues for government authorities to manage if the region is to cope with this trend successfully,” he said.
“New innovative arrangements are needed to promote public-private sector partnerships, improve better delivery of services and cater for changing expectations and needs.”
Dr Prasser said the conference also would feature a forum on local government amalgamation and the presentation of other original research on issues including housing affordability, training and development needs and environmental sustainability.
The conference is expected to attract 200 people, including top decision-makers, researchers and strategists from the public and private sectors.
It will be co-hosted by USC and the Committee for Economic Development of Australia with support by companies Munro Thompson, Cadet, Investa and Parsons Brinckerhoff.
For more details, contact David Gration on 0408 708 293. Registrations can be made online via the USC website.
– Terry Walsh