The Nationals WA have condemned the Labor Government for failing to guarantee the future of planned vital aged care and independent living investments across regional WA – leaving too many communities uncertain about the future of the projects flagged for their towns.
Member for Roe Peter Rundle MLA said the Minister for Regional Development failed to confirm whether Labor would deliver the $117 million of Royalties for Regions funding already allocated for an additional 416 beds across regional communities.
Mr Rundle said The Nationals WA had delivered unprecedented investment into aged care and independent living infrastructure while in Government, however planned projects were now in doubt under Labor.
“The Nationals understand that investing in appropriate health services and infrastructure creates sustainable and liveable regional communities and this has been one of our key priorities,” Mr Rundle said.
“Every project delivered or earmarked for development has been established in close collaboration with local shires and regional communities, who are now worried that the government won’t honour this important investment.”
During Question Time, the Minister refused to make a firm commitment to fund projects in Roe, including the expansion of the Esperance Aged Care Facility, the Great Southern Housing Initiative and the Wheatbelt South Aged Housing Alliance.
Member for The Agricultural Region Colin de Grussa MLC said enabling older residents to remain in their communities close to family and friends at a time when they most need their support was very important, but not the only driver for Government to invest.
“The demand for aged care facilities will only increase over the coming years as older residents seek to continue to live independently within their communities,” Mr de Grussa said.
“I’m very concerned about the lack of commitment from the government. The Esperance Aged Care Facility provides an incredibly important service, and is in dire need of more beds. “They, and other facilities, need certainty about their future.”
