Councils readiness for ageing population

The Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW recently delivered a toolkit to help councils assess their readiness to meet the financial implications of an ageing population.

A strategic view and management of costs, prevention and early intervention is also part of the toolkit, which may help councils identify their strengths and weaknesses in responding to these financial implications.

The toolkit was compiled after a study was carried out involving a comprehensive review of the issue of ageing, as well as an examination of these issues in relation to a number of current and future local government functions.

Twenty councils across NSW participated in the study, with the findings indicating the ageing population impacts on “almost all aspects” of local government.

Some of the key suggestions for councils to consider in meeting the challenges of an ageing population include:

• Sponsor awareness of the issue across council;
• Direct resources at the issue using a long-term approach;
• Develop an effective asset management strategy;
• Accomplish coordinated approaches, both across council and with the many agencies working in the same area;
• Manage expectations of the aged, especially those relocating from better resourced areas;
• Foster social participation in a way that highlights the benefits of an ageing population; and
• Adopt an evidence-based approach to activities.

The report uncovers many issues which councils should address to meet the changing demographics in age over the coming years. Some of these issues included evaluations of community programs, transport and gardening services.

President of the Shires Association, Councillor Ray Donald, says the toolkit will “support councils to plan for the future”.

Cr Keith Rhoades AFSM, president of the Local Government Association, also believes the report is a “way forward” for councils when addressing issues relating to the ageing population.

He adds the toolkit is an “extremely helpful resource”, allowing councils to become more responsive to the needs of their “communities’ ever-changing population”.

“Older members of the community also provide a valuable contribution through volunteering activities, social support and community transport services amongst others,” Cr Rhoades says. “Participation and engagement are vital to the independence and confidence of older people in contributing to their community life,” he adds.

According to Cr Rhoades, councils endeavour to support older generations by reportedly providing a range of infrastructure and services “to meet their changing needs so that they can stay living in the community they know for as long as possible”.