Brunswick aged accommodation units
Brunswick Junction will be able to keep the older generation in the community thanks to the development of eight aged accommodation units worth $1.5 million.
Shire of Harvey Economic and Development Services Manager Paul Beech said the town had been suffering from population drift in recent times, but the units had attracted a lot of interest and would bring people into the community.
The downturn in the dairy industry has made it unviable for some families to remain in the area and often it is the older generation who are forced to move on. This aged accommodation is part of a program to stop the drift.
“We have had people seeking information on the units from outside the town, as well as people who used to live in the area and are keen to move back,” said Mr Beech.
The aged accommodation units were expected to be available by the end of the year.
South West Development Commission Project Officer Tom Busher said the work had been carried out in partnership with the Shire of Harvey, the Department of Housing and Works as well as a $100,000 grant from SWDC.
Long standing lack of aged care in the town has seen many residents relocate to the coast in Bunbury or Australind, resulting in a loss of community and separation from family.
The units will facilitate retention of the older generation at Brunswick, within close proximity of the town centre, schools, shops, recreation facilities and general services.