Seniors Plan 2007 - City of Stirling - The Western Australian ...

PUBLICATION DATE AUTHORITY SOME OF THE MAIN IDEAS
Generations
Together – a
guide to the
WA Active
Ageing
Strategy
Submission
– Economic
Implications
of an Ageing
Australia
Australian
Local
Government
Population
Ageing Action
Plan
2004 WA Department
for Community
Development
2004 Australian Local
Government
Association
2004 Australian Local
Government
Association
Active ageing is the ongoing and meaningful
participation in social, economic, physical, cultural,
spiritual and community affairs.
The Active Ageing Strategy addresses ageing and older
people as a vital resource for the community. It enhances
the capacity of the community to employ and benefit from
the experiences and skills of ageing and older people.
A likely impact on municipal rates is the growing asset
rich, income poor ratepayer base. In this case ratepayers
may have considerable property, often the family home,
but have a low level of disposable income.
Another possible impact on municipal rates is the
expected increase in the proportion of the population
likely to have entitlements to pensioner rate concessions
as the population ages over the coming decades.
The restricted taxation base has led to an increased
reliance by local government on fees and user charges.
Local government’s reliance on user charges is becoming
increasingly unsustainable in an increasing asset rich,
income poor environment.
Older people are a significant and growing part of
local communities. This trend presents both daunting
challenges and real opportunities for local government.
Older people offer rich life experience, well honed skills,
knowledge and wisdom. These qualities significantly
contribute to the social fabric of local communities. But
our ageing population will also impact on planning and
service delivery, spelling real and growing challenges
for Australia’s 700 local government authorities.
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