Planning for an ageing community

Funding boost for age-friendly communities

30 June
The Minister for Ageing, Senator Santo Santoro, has announced initial funding of $250,000 to boost action to help develop age-friendly communities. The move has been welcomed by ALGA President, Cr Paul Bell. Senator Santoro announced the funding while launching a report on building age-friendly environments. The report makes a number of recommendations that arise from a program of seminars and workshops held over the past nine months to highlight the links between built environments and the health and wellbeing of older Australians. The inaugural event was addressed by ALGA Vice President and President of the Municipal Association of Victoria, Cr Geoff Lake, who detailed the challenges facing local government in its bid to plan for a "community of all ages". ALGA has also published a resource paper, Age-friendly built environments: Opportunities for local government. This contains fact sheets and case studies covering a range of age-friendly built environment issues relevant to local government. This publication is an initiative of the Australian Local Government Population Ageing Action Plan, which aims to build the capacity of local government to respond to ageing communities.

Council ageing award

19 May
The Office for an Ageing Australia is sponsoring the Planning for an Ageing Community Award, a part of the 2006 National Awards for Local Government. The award recognises the important role that local government can play in planning for the social and economic impacts of an ageing population. For further information please contact the awards team on freecall 1800 065 113 or see the awards website. Entries close on close midnight Tuesday June 13.

ALGA releases 2006 ageing survey

28 April
ALGA has today released the results of the 2006 survey on ageing and local government. The survey reveals that 99% of councils believe that population ageing will have an impact on their municipalities - just over 30% identified the impact as severe. The survey found that councils have begun to respond to the impacts of population ageing. Some councils are investing in services to support their senior residents, such as libraries and home and community care, others are investing in initiatives to support their mature aged workers, while others sponsor programs that promote active ageing. Combined with these activities, is the increasing number of age development officers employed by councils. The survey results indicate that 104 local councils have a staff position that is dedicated to ageing issues. The survey, an initiative of the Australian Local Government Population Ageing Action Plan, attracted a strong response with 226 councils participating. The survey results will assist ALGA to build the capacity of local government to plan for an ageing population.

ALGA launches seniors case studies

17 March
ALGA this week launched its second series of Connecting with seniors case studies. The project showcases council initiatives that respond to the diversity of older Australians in the development or delivery of policies and programs. The case studies focus on geographical diverse seniors. This project is an initiative of ALGA's local government ageing action plan , which aims to build the capacity of local government to respond to ageing communities. To submit a case study, contact Alley Peck, Assistant Director, Health and Ageing Policy by email alley.peck@alga.asn.au or phone 02 6122 9421.

Workforce Tomorrow breakfast seminars

10 March
The Federal Department of Employment and Workplace Relations is conducting a series of industry and employer breakfasts to inform human resource managers, chief executive officers and business managers about the labour supply challenges, particularly the implications of an ageing population. Participants will receive information - by industry, occupation and region - to help devise workforce strategies. Each event will feature a prominent speaker and free copies of the recently released Workforce Tomorrow report will also be provided. The report details the projected impact of population ageing on labour supply in Australia over the next five years.

ALGA ageing survey

27 January
ALGA invites councils to participate in the second online ageing awareness and action survey for local government. The survey aims to gauge awareness of population ageing within local government and to determine the level of local government action. The information collected from the survey will assist ALGA in its negotiations with the Australian Government and help build the capacity of local government to plan for an ageing population. The survey is an initiative of the Australian Local Government Population Ageing Plan. Surveys must be submitted by 5pm on 10 February. Further information from Alley Peck alley.peck@alga.asn.au at ALGA phone 02 6122 9421.

Best wishes for the festive season!

Reminder to complete ALGA's second ageing survey

19 December 2005
ALGA invites councils to participate in the second online ageing awareness and action survey for local government. The survey aims to gauge awareness of population ageing within local government and to determine the level of local government action. The information collected from the survey will assist ALGA in its negotiations with Australian Government and to build the capacity of local government to plan for an ageing population. The survey is an initiative of the Australian Local Government Population Ageing Plan. Further information from ALGA's Alley Peck alley.peck@alga.asn.au phone 02 6122 9421.

ALGA launches Age-friendly built environments: Opportunities for local government

14 December 2005

ALGA has today launched a new publication, Age-friendly built environments: Opportunities for local government. In this publication you’ll find six fact sheets which cover a range of age-friendly built environment issues, which are relevant to local councils including case studies.
This year, ALGA has placed a high priority on promoting age-friendly built environment issues, supporting the Australian Government’s, National Speakers Series, 'A Community for All Ages - Building the Future'.
The inaugural event was addressed by ALGA Vice President and President of the Municipal Association of Victoria, Cr Geoff Lake, who detailed the challenges facing local government in its bid to plan for a "community of all ages".
This publication is an initiative of the Australian Local Government Population Ageing Action Plan, which aims to build the capacity of local government to respond to ageing communities.

ALGA launches ageing journal

18 November 2005
ALGA will produce a research journal dedicated to local government and ageing issues. ALGA President, Cr Paul Bell, made the announcement in an address to the national conference of the Australian Association of Gerontology on Friday. The journal - Ageing In Place - will offer practitioners and academics a forum to disseminate ideas and information in ageing research relevant to local government and local communities. The first edition will be published online early in 2006. Potential contributors are asked to contact Alley Peck, ALGA's Assistant Director - Health and Ageing Policy on 02 6122 9421 or email alley.peck@alga.asn.au

Complete ALGA’s second ageing survey

4 November 2005
ALGA invites councils to participate in the second online ageing awareness and action survey for local government. The survey aims to gauge awareness of population ageing within local government and to determine the level of local government action. The information collected from the survey will assist ALGA in its negotiations with Australian Government and to build the capacity of local government to plan for an ageing population. The survey is an initiative of the Australian Local Government Population Ageing Plan. Further information from ALGA's Alley Peck alley.peck@alga.asn.au phone 02 6122 9421.

Bishop, Lake focus on ageing-in-place strategies

30 September 2005
An ambitious project to encourage planners, architects, builders and policy makers to re-think the design of homes was launched this week in Sydney by Federal Ageing Minister, Julie Bishop, with the support of ALGA. Speaking at an inaugural seminar on building and ageing issues, Ms Bishop said it was time for Australian planners and designers to re-shape our communities to cater for all age groups. The initiative is supported by a range of key organisations including ALGA, the Planning Institute of Australia and the Building Designers Association of Australia. The seminar was also addressed by ALGA Vice President and President of the Municipal Association of Victoria, Cr Geoff Lake, who detailed the challenges facing local government in its bid to plan for a "community of all ages", particularly in the areas of planning, housing and transport. He also outlined ALGA work in ageing and demographic change being undertaken in partnership with the Australian Government.

ALGA VP to address first National Speakers Series

9 September 2005
ALGA Vice-President, Cr Geoff Lake, will address the opening event of the National Speakers Series, 'A Community for All Ages - Building the Future' in Sydney on 27 September. The National Speakers Series is an Australian Government initiative, supported by several partners including ALGA. The Speaker Series aims to increase awareness of the need to design the built environment - the building, structures and spaces in which we live, work and play - to sustain health and well-being for an ageing population. Local government practitioners and elected representatives are invited to attend this free event which will travel to all capital cities and some larger regional centres over the next year. To register your interest, please contact the Office for an Ageing Australia NatSpeakersSeries@health.gov.au or telephone 02 6289 5685. The National General Assembly symposium Health and ageing and local government - a partnership in action will also form part of the National Speaker Series.

ALGA launches online ageing strategy register

26 August 2005
This week ALGA launched its online ageing strategy register which is a compilation of local government ageing strategies. Local government ageing strategies are made available on ALGA's ageing strategy register so that councils developing a strategy can benefit from other councils' work and experience. This project is an initiative of the Australian Local Government Population Ageing Action Plan, which aims to build the capacity of local government to respond to ageing communities. Want to register your strategy? Please send details to Alley Peck Assistant Director Health and Ageing Policy via email alley.peck@alga.asn.au or phone 02 6122 9421.

ALGA develops ageing toolbox

12 August 2005
ALGA is developing an online 'toolbox' that will provide councils with the tools, resources and contacts to integrate population ageing issues into all aspects of local government operations. The project is expected to be completed in mid-2006. It will take councils through a step-by-step approach to developing a local ageing strategy. Experts will provide tips and hints and outline the kinds of initiatives that councils are adopting across Australia. The toolbox is being developed as part of ALGA's partnership with the Australian Government to engage local government in a planned and coordinated national approach to population ageing issues. For further information on the toolbox or ageing issues, email Alley Peck - Assistant Director, Health and Ageing Policy alley.peck@alga.asn.au or call 02 6122 9412.

ALGA's Connecting with Seniors project

24 May 2005
ALGA's Connecting with Seniors project showcases local councils that have responded to the diversity of needs, interests and backgrounds in the development or delivery of policies or programs for seniors.

ALGA's 1st Ageing awareness and action survey

12 April 2005

On 16 December 2004, ALGA launched its first Ageing Awareness and Action Survey. ALGA received 232 responses to the survey, representing 35% of Australia's 673 local councils. The highest response rate by an individual state or territory was Victoria, with 60% of the state's 79 councils responding to the survey. Local councils in rural Australia returned the highest number of surveys accounting for 62% of the total response rate.

Champions in aged care

18 March 2005
Nominations are now open for the Minister for Ageing's 2005 awards for excellence in aged care. The awards recognise exceptional people working in aged care services whose ideas and actions are providing older Australians with innovative care and lifestyle activities. This year's awards have six categories and will offer total prize money of $70,000 for recipients to pursue training opportunities to enhance their skills. Nominations close on 6 May.

Future ageing report tabled

11 March 2005
The House of Representatives standing committee on health and ageing this week tabled a draft report on long-term strategies to address the ageing of the Australian population over the next 40 years. The report - Future Ageing - was being prepared during the last Parliament and was in draft form at the time the federal election was called. Recommendations are not made in this publication and a government response is not anticipated. The draft report provides much useful information for those engaged in issues of ageing and demographic change.

Long day care funding

11 March 2005
The Australian Government has commenced a new funding round of the Long Day Care Incentive Scheme. Applications are sought from organisations able to establish new, viable long day care centres in an area of high, unmet demand in rural and urban fringe areas. Interested service providers are invited to either contact their state or territory office of the Federal Department of Family and Community Care on 1300 653 227 for an application pack, or to download the pack from the Department's website. Applications close at 2pm EST on 1 April.

Diversity in ageing case studies sought

4 March 2005
ALGA is compiling a series of case studies about how councils have responded to the diversity of seniors in the development or delivery of policies or programs. ALGA is seeking examples of innovative practice that reflect the diversity of needs, interests and backgrounds including Indigenous Australians and culturally and linguistically diverse groups. This is an initiative of the Australian Local Government Population Ageing Action Plan , which aims to build the capacity of local government to respond to ageing communities. Please send details to Alley Peck alley.peck@alga.asn.au at ALGA by 18 March. For more information, contact Alley on 02 6122 9421.

Ageing report backs ALGA 'fair share' campaign

26 November 2004
It was now abundantly clear that local government will struggle under current funding arrangements to properly provide for our ageing population, ALGA President, Mayor Rae Perry, said yesterday. She was responding to the release today of a Productivity Commission draft research report on the economic implications of an ageing Australia. 'An ageing population and demographic change will have different impacts in different areas. But much of local government will face serious budgetary pressure as it struggles to keep pace with increasing demand for human services while attempting to maintain and develop traditional services, such as road and infrastructure maintenance,' Mayor Perry said. 'The report strongly backs ALGA's case for reform of Commonwealth-local government financial relations. We need to move away from the current system of financial assistance grants to one which provides local government with a fair share of national taxation revenue.'

Productivity Report - key findings

26 November 2004
Key findings for local government in the draft research report on ageing, released by the Productivity Commission yesterday, include:

• Ageing of the population will place increasing pressure on local government expenditure
• There is likely to be an emerging fiscal deficit at the local government level under current policy settings
• Local government revenue is unlikely to increase at a greater rate than the growth in GDP and some components - such as Federal financial assistance grants to local government - will grow at slower rates
• There is wide variation in demographic change at the regional level
• Coastal areas, in particular, already have higher concentrations of older people and are expected to 'age' rapidly
• The provision of human services comprises 49% of local government expenditure
• The number of pensioners - and pensioner rate concessions - is projected to increase significantly resulting in a lower rate base

Report likely to have significant implications for the nation

26 November
The Productivity Commission's report on ageing is likely to have a significant impact on the national economic reform agenda, with a strong focus on issues of taxation, welfare and workforce participation. The report's timing is good for local government, coming at the beginning of talks on the development of an intergovernmental agreement on cost shifting. It also strengthens local government's call for an overhaul of federal - local government financial relations. The report was commissioned at the request of the Council of Australian Governments, of which ALGA is a full member. The Commission now welcomes comment on the draft report. A final report will be provided to the Treasurer around late March and also to COAG for discussion.

ALGA's four point plan on ageing

26 November
ALGA has outlined a four-point plan to tackle the economic impact of an ageing population on local government. The plan is set out in ALGA's submission to the Productivity Commission's study into the economic implications of an ageing population. It calls for:

• a fair share of national taxation revenue for local government
• a whole of government approach to human services and governance and an intergovernmental agreement on human service provision
• development of a national settlement strategy
• investment in integrated local area planning

In August, ALGA and the Minister for Ageing, Julie Bishop, launched the Australian local government population ageing action plan , which has helped mark a turning point for local government in planning for an ageing Australia.

Economic implications of an ageing Australia

24 September 2004
ALGA's submission to the Productivity Commision in repsonse to the Commission's research study examining the productivity, labour supply and fiscal implications of likely demographic trends over the next 40 years for all levels of government.

ALGA launches AGEINGforum

6 August 2004
ALGA has launched an email discussion list, AGEINGforum, for people with an interest in the Planning for an ageing community project. The discussion list allows subscribers to post messages and exchange ideas and information with each other. By joining the list, you can share experiences, questions, and comments with others. Subscribe through the project's website. Last week, Federal Minister for Ageing, Julie Bishop, joined ALGA President Mike Montgomery to launch the Australian Local Government Population Ageing Action Plan. The plan is designed to provide a flexible and dynamic framework that builds awareness of population ageing, encourages local government action, fosters partnerships and improves access to regional information on population ageing and future demographic shifts.

Community care strategy launched by Bishop

6 August 2004
The Australian Government this week released A New strategy for community care: The way forward. The strategy outlines the action that the Australian Government, in consultation with state and territory governments, service providers and consumer representatives, will take to improve community care. Four areas of action have been identified: addressing gaps and overlaps in service delivery; easier access to services; enhanced service management; and streamlining of Australian Government programs. Federal Minister for Ageing Julie Bishop said the Australian Government was committed to implementing the actions recommended in the strategy: The Government delivers home-based support services to older Australians and people with disabilities and their carers through a partnership with community care providers and local, state and territory governments. The strategy follows the review of community services initiated in 2002 to identify strategies to simplify and streamline current arrangements for the delivery and administration of community care services.

Bishop provides $400,000 to implement ageing action plan

30 July 2004
Federal Minister for Ageing, Julie Bishop, this week joined ALGA President Mike Montgomery to launch the Australian Local Government Population Ageing Action Plan. The launch was hosted by Ballina Mayor Phillip Silver at the Ballina Shire Council Chambers. Ms Bishop said the Australian Government would provide $400,000 to help implement the plan, a move welcomed by Cr Montgomery. The plan is designed to assist local government prepare for the challenges and opportunities presented by Australia's rapidly ageing population.

Ageing Action Plan: Strategies to build capacity

30 July 2004
The Local Government Population Ageing Action Plan aims to build the capacity of local government to plan for an ageing population. The plan is designed to provide a flexible and dynamic framework that builds awareness of population ageing, encourages local government action, fosters partnerships and improves access to regional information on population ageing and future demographic shifts. Within each of these priority areas, proposed initiatives have been identified which will provide the basis for the development of an annual ALGA work program. Some of the highlights include: a website that promotes the work of the Local Government Ageing Project and provides relevant information for councils; a toolbox that provides councils with resources and contacts to integrate ageing issues into all aspects of their operations; and a local government ageing network that allows subscribers to share experiences, questions and comments about ageing issues.

ALGA in ageing study talks

23 July 2004:
ALGA met last week with officials from the Productivity Commission to discuss its research study into the economic implications of an ageing population. The study was requested by the Council of Australian Governments, of which ALGA is a full member. The Commission will examine the productivity, labour supply and fiscal implications of likely demographic trends over the next 40 years for all levels of government. Councils wishing to obtain further information about the inquiry or register interest can do so by visiting the Productivity Commission's website or by contacting the Commission directly on 02 6240 3239.

Developing local level responses to healthy ageing

9 July 2004
A presentation, by ALGA Chief Executive Mr Ian Chalmers, to the 2004 National Public Health Partnership Group meeting in Adelaide.
"At the national level, ALGA is working with the Australian Government to develop and implement the Australian local government population ageing action plan to run over the next four years. This plan is the first step in a four year partnership between ALGA and the Australian Department of Health and Ageing to engage local government in a planned and coordinated national approach to population ageing issues. The plan provides a framework in which local government can anticipate and respond to the ageing related issues that affect local communities."

2004 ALGA Ageing Project National Workshop

4 May 2004
Today marks the next phase in the development of the local government population and ageing project action plan. As you know, ALGA has been funded by the Australian Department of Health and Ageing to expand local government's capacity to identify and plan for the challenges of population ageing through the development of a strategic action plan.