Agenda of Policy Review Committee Meeting

UNCONFIRMED MINUTES

OF THE POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING OF PENRITH CITY COUNCIL HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, PENRITH

ON MONDAY 13 JULY 2009 AT 7:37PM

PRESENT

His Worship the Mayor Councillor Jim Aitken OAM, Councillors Kaylene Allison, Robert Ardill, Kevin Crameri OAM, Greg Davies, Mark Davies, Tanya Davies, Ross Fowler OAM, Ben Goldfinch, Jackie Greenow, Prue Guillaume, Marko Malkoc, Karen McKeown, Kath Presdee and John Thain.

APOLOGIES

There were no apologies.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - Policy Review Committee Meeting - 15 June 2009

PRC 43 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Robert Ardill seconded Councillor Prue Guillaume that the minutes of the Policy Review Committee Meeting of 15 June 2009 be confirmed.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Jim Aitken OAM declared a Pecuniary Interest in Item 1 - Results of the public exhibition of draft Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2008 and draft amendment No. 1 to Penrith Local Environmental Plan 1991 Environmental Heritage as he and/or his family own property in the area’s covered by the report. His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Jim Aitken OAM stated he would leave the meeting and take no part during discussion on the item.

Councillor Ross Fowler OAM declared a Pecuniary Interest in Item 1 - Results of the public exhibition of draft Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2008 and draft amendment No. 1 to Penrith Local Environmental Plan 1991 Environmental Heritage as he is the Director of, Accountant for, Auditor of or owns property in the area’s covered by the report. Councillor Ross Fowler OAM stated he would leave the meeting and take no part during discussion on the item.

Councillor Kaylene Allison declared a Pecuniary Interest in Chapters 1,2 & 3 in Item 1 - Results of the public exhibition of draft Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2008 and draft amendment No. 1 to Penrith Local Environmental Plan 1991 Environmental Heritage as she has a close relative who owns property in an area covered by the report. Councillor Kaylene Allison stated she would leave the meeting and take no part during discussion on those Chapters.

Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM declared a Pecuniary Interest in Chapters 1,2 & 3 in Item 1 - Results of the public exhibition of draft Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2008 and draft amendment No. 1 to Penrith Local Environmental Plan 1991 Environmental Heritage as he owns property in an area covered by the report. Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM stated he would leave the meeting and take no part during discussion on those Chapters.

Councillor Ben Goldfinch declared a Pecuniary Interest in Chapters 1,2,3 & 4 in Item 1 - Results of the public exhibition of draft Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2008 and draft amendment No. 1 to Penrith Local Environmental Plan 1991 Environmental Heritage as he has relatives who own property in the area’s covered by the report. Councillor Ben Goldfinch stated he would leave the meeting and take no part during discussion on those Chapters.

Councillor Jackie Greenow declared a Pecuniary Interest in Chapter 5 in Item 1 - Results of the public exhibition of draft Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2008 and draft amendment No. 1 to Penrith Local Environmental Plan 1991 Environmental Heritage as she owns two properties which are proposed to be heritage listed. Councillor Jackie Greenow stated she would leave the meeting and take no part during discussion on that Chapter.

Councillor Marko Malkoc declared a Pecuniary Interest in Chapters 1,2 & 3 in Item 1 - Results of the public exhibition of draft Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2008 and draft amendment No. 1 to Penrith Local Environmental Plan 1991 Environmental Heritage as his Uncle owns property in an area covered by the report. Councillor Marko Malkoc stated he would leave the meeting and take no part during discussion on those Chapters.

Councillor Mark Davies left the meeting, the time being 7:39pm.

Councillor Mark Davies returned to the meeting, the time being 7:40pm

His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Jim Aitken OAM called for nominations from Councillors to Chair the remaining of the Policy Review Committee meeting.

PRC 44 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Karen McKeown seconded Councillor Jackie Greenow that Councillor John Thain be nominated as Chair.

Having previously declared a Pecuniary Interest in Item 1 – Results of the public exhibition of draft Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2008 and draft amendment No. 1 to Penrith Local Environmental Plan 1991 Environmental Heritage, His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Jim Aitken OAM left the meeting, the time being 7:43pm and did not return.

Councillor John Thain then took the Chair for consideration of Item 1, the time being 7:43pm

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

PRC 45 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM seconded Councillor Jackie Greenow that Standing Orders be suspended to allow members of the public to address the meeting, the time being 7:40pm.

All speakers, spoke in reference to Item 1 – Results of the public exhibition of draft Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2008 and draft amendment No. 1 to Penrith Local Environmental Plan 1991 Environmental Heritage

Mr Trevor Robey

Mr Trevor Robey, interested citizen spoke in support of the recommendations and commended Council Officers for their diligence and commitment to the detail within the LEP and their professional attitude in addressing the many submissions made. Mr Robey also asked if Council could propose to the State Government that it purchase the Land comprising the Northern end of the Western slope of the Escarpment for inclusion in Knapsack Park.

Mr Raymond Madden

Mr Raymond Madden, a landowner, representing other landowners from Spinks, Doak and Dodford Roads, Llandilo spoke partly in support of the recommendation which states that Council should have further discussions with land owners to determine whether an alternative zone may be appropriate. Mr Madden is concerned that if Council leaves the RU4 zone to these areas without change at this time, that it leaves the land owners sitting in a stage of uncertainty. Mr Madden requests that the zoning be appropriately modified at this point in time and not be left to a future group of Council Officers to determine.

Ms Julie Horder

Ms Julie Horder, a town planner for an affected owner, spoke against the recommendation raising concerns with the proposed rezoning of the site to E4 Environmental Living as it will prohibit the development of seniors housing which is currently permitted. Ms Horder stated that Negl Developments Pty Ltd the owners of the property are currently preparing a Development Application for the use of the site as seniors housing and that a Site Compatibility Certificate was obtained from the Director General from the Department of Planning.

PRC 46 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Greg Davies seconded Councillor Jackie Greenow that an extension of time be granted to Ms Julie Horder, the time being 7:56 pm.

Ms Horder continued stating that this Certificate indicated that the site was suitable for more intensive development and that the proposed seniors housing development was compatible with the surrounding environment. Ms Horder requested that the site be excluded from Stage 1 of the Draft LEP 2008 to allow a proper review of the appropriateness of the proposed zoning

Mr Robert Symington

Mr Robert Symington, an affected person spoke on behalf of WSN Environmental Solutions against the recommendation. Mr Symington wanted to draw Council’s attention to what he believes are inconsistencies between the SEPP (Infrastructure) 2007 and the Draft LEP 2008 in terms of environmental monitoring and resource recovery facility definitions.

Mr Michael Zuleni

Mr Michael Zuleni, interested citizen spoke against the recommendation at this stage and requested the decision be deferred for action at a later date, as he believes there was not sufficient notice for him to be able to fully respond to the information.

Mr Joseph Borg

Mr Joseph Borg, an applicant spoke against the recommendation and his concerns with lot sizes. Mr Borg believes if owners are not permitted to pursue agriculture activities they should be allowed to subdivide their land.

Mr Patrick Kasso

Mr Patrick Kasso, an applicant spoke against the recommendation believing the proposal raised in the submission to subdivide the property into smaller rural residential lots presents a window of opportunity to recognise the changing character of the surrounding land use to the subject site. Mr Kasso requested the Policy Review Committee reconsider their submission and grant approval to change the minimum lot size from 2 hectares to 4000m2 lot rural subdivision use.

Mr Tony Agostino

Mr Tony Agostino, a landowner spoke in support of the recommendation. Mr Agostino supports Council’s decision and agrees with the Council Officer’s direction to consult with the Department of Planning. Mr Agostino claimed the site has been an ongoing issue for many years, and most objectors have failed to move with the times.

Mr Robert Montgomery

Mr Robert Montgomery, spokesperson for landowner, spoke in support of the recommendation claiming the current restriction on floor space for this site is outdated and the Draft LEP corrects this. Mr Montgomery further stated that there have been many court proceedings regarding this property and the Draft LEP 2008 presents a good opportunity to resolve this issue once and for all. Mr Montgomery requested that the owners should be given an ongoing opportunity to be involved further in discussions with Council staff and the Department of Planning.

Mr Kon Krebs

Mr Kon Krebs, a landowner spoke against the recommendation and stated there needs to be a fair balance between the needs for a biodiversity corridor and the needs of the people who own the land. Mr Krebs felt that the ESL hatching on his property is excessive taking up around 50% of his property. Mr Krebs requested that the biodiversity corridor line be amended to be fairer, or removed from the LEP prior to the hatching being incorporated into the DCP.

Mr Robert Power

Mr Robert Power, an applicant’s spokesperson spoke against the recommendation and submitted that the proposed RU2 zoning and the Scene and Landscape Values controls, as reflected in Clause 6.5 of the Draft LEP 2008 be deferred until the outcome of the State Government/Department of Planning Studies and Investigations of the WSELIA are completed and a decision has been made by the State Government..

Mr Bob Meyer

Mr Bob Meyer, an applicant spoke against the recommendation for Zone E4 Environmental Living to be placed on his client’s property. Mr Meyer stated that this zoning will cause considerable hardship for his clients as it is currently used for radiate pine plantation tree farming, cattle grazing and irrigated crops, this proposed zoning will prohibit that. Mr Meyer requested these uses be allowed to continue.

Mr Andrew Wiesener

Mr Andrew Wiesener, an applicant spoke against the recommendation and discussed increasing lot sizes in the Twin Creeks area and increasing the uses permissible in Schedule 1 of the draft LEP.

PRC 47 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Jackie Greenow seconded Councillor Greg Davies that an extension of time be granted to Mr Andrew Wiesener, the time being 8:33pm.

Councillor Prue Guillaume left the meeting, the time being 8.36pm.

Mr Mark Tooker

Mr Mark Tooker, spokesperson for the landowner, spoke against the recommendation and particularly focussed on the flood constraints. Mr Tooker explained the flood assessment work being undertaking and that the Department of Water and Energy has given it’s in principle agreement to the proposed development concept. Mr Tooker suggested maintaining the zoning as proposed in the draft LEP until the flood modelling and assessment is completed.

Councillor Prue Guillaume returned to the meeting, the time being 8.40pm

Mr Paul Sims

Mr Paul Sims, affected person spoke against the recommendation stating there are issues regarding flood information proposed in the LEP, that the mapping proposed to be adopted remains generic and fails to address the true nature of impacts noted in his submission. Mr Sims also spoke about the need for further consultation in relation to the E2 zone and minimum lot sizes.

Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM left the meeting, the time being 8.42pm

Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM returned to the meeting, the time being 8.43pm.

Mr Rocco Fabiano

Mr Rocco Fabiano, affected person spoke against the recommendation as he does not believe the population of Llandilo has increased significantly to justify having two general stores within close proximity of each other. He also stated that the density of Llandilo has not changed enough to justify a change in the existing planning controls.

Mr Chris Young

Mr Chris Young, town planner to owner and applicant spoke against the recommendation requesting Council to list in Schedule 1 of the draft LEP, uses for Sales and Service of Tools and Machinery. Mr Young claims there are similar uses adjoining the area already operating.

Mr Reg Cammack

Mr Reg Cammack, affected person spoke on behalf of his father and himself against the recommendation. Mr Cammack raised concerns about whether both he and his father’s property should be listed as a heritage item as they have had significant modifications made and in some cases structural damage. Mr Cammack questioned the use of local significance/personalities being used to heritage list properties and the huge financial burden that will come with this to owners. Mr Cammack concluded by requesting if Council is going to place these restrictions on properties compensation should be offered.

Councillor Jackie Greenow left the meeting, the time being 9.04pm.

Mr Scott Greenow

Mr Scott Greenow, affected person spoke against the recommendation claiming that more information is needed and that generally listing properties as heritage affects private owners negatively, particularly financially.

PRC 48 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Greg Davies seconded Councillor Marko Malkoc that an extension of time be granted to Mr Scott Greenow, the time being 9:09pm.

Furthermore Mr Greenow stated that other restrictions come with Heritage listing such as use limitations, increased maintenance and insurance costs. Mr Greenow also stated that the condition of his mother’s home does not warrant heritage listing as it is dilapidated and in major need of repair.

Councillor Jackie Greenow returned to the meeting, the time being 9.21pm.

Rev. David Clarke

Rev David Clarke, applicant and spokesperson of St Mary Magdalene Anglican Church spoke against the recommendation. Rev Clarke pointed out substantial difficulties that will be encountered by the Church should Council pursue a State Heritage Listing for the Church.

PRC 49 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Greg Davies seconded Councillor Marko Malkoc that an extension of time be granted to Rev David Clarke, the time being 9:23pm.

Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM left the meeting, the time being 9.28 pm.

Rev Clarke stated that the whole Church had been proposed for heritage listing including surrounding buildings and believed this and other decisions were based on errors, and such a heritage listing puts the Church under pressure to remain open.

Mr Vince Hardy

Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM returned to the meeting, the time being 9.32pm.

Mr Vince Hardy, owner’s spokesperson and town planner spoke against the recommendation in relation to 4 separate issues including rezoning of industrial sites, permissible land uses such as bulky goods to remain and not rezoned as the activity already exists and would be prohibited under new zoning proposals.

PRC 50 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Marko Malkoc seconded Councillor Tanya Davies that an extension of time be granted to Mr Vince Hardy the time being 9:36pm.

Mr Hardy concluded by raising concerns about lot sizes and the limiting of agricultural potential and also spoke of 2 attached dwellings in Emu Heights which he believed should be able to have a Torrens title subdivision.

Mr Stephen Bowers

Mr Stephen Bowers, owner’s spokesperson spoke against the recommendation and stated that the lot sizes for the area are inappropriate considering the current sites surrounding.

PRC 51 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Mark Davies seconded Councillor Greg Davies that an extension of time be granted to Mr Stephen Bowers the time being 9:49pm.

Mr Bowers concluded by saying that if the subdivision was allowed each block would still be larger then those adjoining and he requested Council defer their decision at this time.

Mr Neil Ingham

Mr Neil Ingham, applicant and owner’s town planner spoke against the recommendation concerning a number of issues stating that Council was going to prepare and exhibit an amendment to Sydney REP 25 – Orchard Hills and that this has not occurred. Mr Ingham requested that minimum lot size remains for this site.

In respect of St Thomas Anglican Church, Mulgoa, Mr Ingham also claimed that the current recommendation is contrary to views of heritage experts and that he believes the whole site should be heritage listed and consolidated.

Councillor Marko Malkoc left the meeting, the time being 9.52pm.

Councillor Greg Davies left the meeting, the time being 9.53pm.

Councillor Greg Davies returned to the meeting, the time being 9.55pm.

Councillor Greg Davies left the meeting, the time being 9.56pm.

PRC 52 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Kath Presdee seconded Councillor Prue Guillaume that an extension of time be granted to Mr Neil Ingham the time being 9:58pm.

Councillor Marko Malkoc returned to the meeting, the time being 9.58pm.

Councillor Greg Davies returned to the meeting, the time being 9.59pm.

Mr Ingham concluded by requesting Council in line with heritage expert’s advice include St Thomas Anglican Church, Mulgoa as a heritage item within the draft LEP.

Ms Mary Vella

Councillor Mark Davies left the meeting, the time being 10.07pm.

Ms Mary Vella, an affected resident spoke against the recommendation and raised concerns that the zoning in the Draft LEP will place unfair limitations on residents in the area.

PRC 53 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM seconded Councillor Kath Presdee that an extension of time be granted to Ms Mary Vella, the time being 10:11pm.

Ms Vella also stated that residents were not given enough time to respond to the information provided.

Mr Gregory Allchin

Councillor Mark Davies returned to the meeting, the time being 10.16pm.

Mr Gregory Allchin, affected person spoke against the recommendation and stated that the zoning proposed for two areas in Castlereagh Cranebrook area are not appropriate. Mr Allchin requested Councillors to not adopt the recommendation and recognise Council’s own vision for Penrith in relation to rural values.

RESUMPTION OF STANDING ORDERS

PRC 54 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Prue Guillaume seconded Councillor Karen McKeown that Standing Orders be resumed, the time being 10:22pm.

DELIVERY PROGRAM REPORTS

A Leading City

1 Results of the public exhibition of draft Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2008 and draft amendment No. 1 to Penrith Local Environmental Plan 1991 Environmental Heritage.

Having previously declared Pecuniary Interests in the Report, Councillors Ross Fowler OAM, Kaylene Allison, Kevin Crameri OAM, Ben Goldfinch, Jackie Greenow and Marko Malkoc left the meeting at 10.24pm and did not return.

The Chairperson, Councillor John Thain adjourned the meeting for a 10 minute period, the time being 10:24pm, with the following being present:

Councillors John Thain, Robert Ardill, Greg Davies, Mark Davies, Tanya Davies, Prue Guillaume, Karen McKeown and Kath Presdee.

The meeting resumed, the time being 10.37pm, with the following being present:

Councillors John Thain, Robert Ardill, Greg Davies, Mark Davies, Tanya Davies, Prue Guillaume, Karen McKeown and Kath Presdee.

PRC 55 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Greg Davies seconded Councillor Mark Davies

That:

1. The matter be deferred to a future Policy Review Committee meeting.

2. Those persons who addressed the Council or contacted the Council when advised that the matter was to be considered at this evenings meeting be notified of its deferral.

3. Council officers be authorised to discuss the proposed recommendations in the Discussion Paper with those who made submissions.

In accordance with Section 375A of the Local Government Act 1993, a DIVISION was then called with the following result:

For	Against
Councillor Robert Ardill
Councillor Greg Davies
Councillor Mark Davies
Councillor Tanya Davies
Councillor Prue Guillaume
Councillor Karen McKeown
Councillor Kath Presdee
Councillor John Thain

There being no further business the Chairperson declared the meeting closed, the time being 10:43pm.

*Policy Review Committee Meeting*	*27 July 2009*
*A City of Opportunities*

Draft Planning for an Ageing Community Strategy

Compiled by: Joe Ibbitson, Community Programs Co-ordinator

Authorised by: Erich Weller, Community and Cultural Development Manager

Strategic Objective: We have access to what we need

Strategic Direction: Our City’s services and facilities are provided equitably, and can be accessed by those in need

Presenters: Erich Weller - Community and Cultural Development Manager - Draft Planning for an Ageing Community Strategy

Joe Ibbitson - Community Programs Co-ordinator - Draft Planning for an Ageing Community Strategy

Executive Summary:

To provide information on the development of the ageing strategy, Planning for an Ageing Community.

The report recommends that the information be received and that Council endorse the Draft Planning for an Ageing Community Strategy for Public Exhibition for a period of 28 days. The report also recommends a further report be prepared on the outcomes of the Public Exhibition process and any proposed changes to the documentation.

Council has prepared, with the assistance of Elton Consulting, a detailed strategy to plan for the future ageing of the population. The Strategy has been developed in a context that recognises the major responsibility for the delivery of services to older people rests with the Commonwealth and State governments and those community organisations funded by these levels of government. At the same time Council can play a key leadership and advocacy role in planning for an ageing community as well as ensuring its services respond to the particular aspirations and needs of older people in the City.

The draft Strategy has been developed following the completion of a ‘scoping study’ in 2007. The Strategy process included a research and demographic analysis stage, a comprehensive community consultation process and the development of a strategic action plan indicating responsibilities and timeframes for implementation.

The detailed strategies and actions incorporated in the Planning for an Ageing Community strategy have been formulated in consultation with the responsible managers, adding value to existing Council services and activities and ensuring effective responses to the ageing of the population over time. The strategy includes current and short term actions (1-2yrs), as well as actions for the medium (2-5yrs) and longer term (5-10yrs).

The draft documentation, Planning for an Ageing Community is provided at Attachment 1 to this report. The draft Strategy is presented for Council’s consideration to be endorsed for placement on Public Exhibition for the purpose of seeking resident and stakeholder comment and feedback.

Background

There is an emerging awareness in Australia and abroad that the ageing of the population represents an important challenge to the sustainability and quality of life in our communities.

Council commenced the development of an ageing strategy project in late 2006 with the development of a ‘scoping study’ to better understand the likely impacts of an ageing population in the City and to place Council in a position to respond effectively to an ageing community. The scoping study was also critical to establish the parameters of Council’s role in comparison to that of other levels of government and Council’s community partners.

The outcomes of the scoping study were reported to a Policy Review Committee meeting on 30 April 2007 and Council endorsed the approach outlined in the scoping study to provide the basis for undertaking the full Strategy.

The Planning for an Ageing Community Strategy project was subsequently included in Council’s 2007-08 Management Plan.

In October 2007, Elton Consulting was commissioned to undertake the development of the full, detailed Strategy, Planning for an Ageing Community. The purpose of the Strategy is to guide Council policies and identify priorities for action to best meet the needs of a growing ageing population.

The initial research and demographic analysis for the project was completed in early 2008. A presentation to a Councillor Briefing was made by the consultants in May 2008 following a comprehensive community consultation process to assist with the further definition of the key priorities and issues to be addressed in the Strategy. The principal purpose of the Councillor Briefing was to inform Councillors of some of the key research findings and the outcomes of the community and stakeholder consultation.

The impact of an ageing population will be a challenge across a broad range of Council services and activities. The Planning for an Ageing Community Strategy will build on the current work that Council undertakes in supporting older people and promoting an active and healthy lifestyle for Penrith’s growing number of older residents. Council’s government and community partners are also critical to this effort.

The next section of this report summarises some of the key services and facilitates that Council currently undertakes that respond specifically to the needs of older people. Please note the list is not comprehensive.

Council Services for Older People

Council has an acknowledged and recognised involvement in the provision of services, facilities, and infrastructure for older people across Penrith City as well as contributing with our government and community partners to service planning, coordination and service enhancements. This important role is strategically placed between the community and the other levels of government and encompasses a diverse range of services and functions including:

· Provision of a range of arts, leisure, sports and cultural programs and facilities

· Seniors Centres at Penrith and St Marys

· Office accommodation and meeting rooms in Community Connections for HACC (Home and Community Care) services that target frail older people

· Support for interest and activity groups

· Neighbourhood Centre facilities

· Council’s annual Seniors Week function and small grants funding for seniors activities

· Community Access buses for trips and outings

· Rates reductions for seniors

· Footpath program

· Library home visiting service

· Planning for and co-ordination of services for older people.

Council’s services and partnerships with community organisations are well regarded and provide a sold foundation for the development of the Planning for an Ageing Community Strategy.

The Development of the Planning for an Ageing Community Strategy

The following summary identifies the key activities and milestones in the development of the draft Planning for an Ageing Community Strategy.

Feb 07	Scoping Study completed
April 07	Report on Scoping Study to Policy Review Committee meeting
Oct 07	Elton Consulting appointed to undertake strategy
Jan 08	Research and demographic analysis
Mar 08	Consultation with community and service providers
May 08	Councillor briefing – presentation of research and consultation outcomes
May 08	Phase 1 report – demographics and literature review
Jun 08	Consultation with Council staff
Aug 08	Preliminary strategies and actions developed
Oct 08	Draft Strategy and Action Plan completed by Elton Consulting
Mar/Apr 09	Review of Draft Strategy and Action Plan and draft strategy completed
Jun 09	Presentation to Council senior management
Jul 09	Presentation to Policy Review Committee 27th July
	WE ARE HERE
Aug 09	Public Exhibition
Sep 09	Adoption by Council

The following sections summarise some of the key milestones in the development of the Planning for an Ageing Community Strategy.

Scoping Study – The Challenge of an Ageing Population

The initial scoping study, undertaken at the end of 2006 found that, in common with international and national trends, Penrith is beginning to experience an increasingly rapid ageing of the community. This will have a growing impact on a range of Council services and facilities.

The study outlined the case for the development of an ageing strategy by Council to address the challenge of an ageing population. The study identified the rise of the baby boomers and how we are all living longer as a result of healthier lifestyles and improved health care services. The development of an ageing strategy would identify clear priorities, achievable actions and also define Council’s role in planning for the expected ageing of the community.

The final section of the scoping study highlighted the following areas as the key priorities to be addressed in planning for an ageing community:

· Meeting the Housing Needs of Older People

· Creating Supportive Local Communities

· Meeting the Social, Recreation, Leisure and Cultural Needs of Older People

· Encouraging participation in and contribution to community life

· Income and Revenue Raising Issues

· Access to Health Care and Support Services.

Council allocated resources in the 2007-08 Management Plan to undertake a comprehensive ageing strategy project as the next stage in the development of Council’s response to planning for an ageing population.

Ageing Strategy - Planning for an Ageing Community

In October 2007, Elton Consulting was commissioned to undertake further research, investigation and consultation work to provide Council with a detailed strategy ‘Planning for an Ageing Community’. The scoping study provided the platform for the development of the detailed strategy, identifying the key priorities to be addressed and clarifying the context for the project.

The aims of the project are to assist Council to:

· understand the changing needs of the City of Penrith and the priorities of different groups

· deliver suitable infrastructure and services over which it has direct control or influence

· direct actions and resources strategically, including advocacy to meet the diverse needs of older people and

· develop integrated responses to issues where Council may lead or partner with other organisations.

The methodology for the project was based on three key elements:

Stage 1: Literature Review and Demographics

Stage 2: Community and Stakeholder Consultations

Stage 3: Strategy Development and Reporting

To provide guidance at each stage of the project Council established an internal Reference Group consisting of staff from Community and Cultural Development, Environmental Planning, Local Planning, Environmental Health, Building Services, Neighbourhood Facilities and Community Safety. The Reference Group met at strategic points in the development of the project to review progress as well as providing assistance at the community consultations. The Community and Cultural Development Department coordinated Reference Group meetings.

The following sections provide additional detail on the individual stages of the project.

Stage 1 – Literature Review and Demographics

Stage 1, the research phase of the project, commenced towards the end of 2007. During this stage of the project the consultants examined four primary areas:

· population ageing – a literature review

· policy context – Global, National, State and Local

· demographic analysis – trends and projections

· principles and objectives of the Strategy

Some of the key findings from this stage include:

· ageing in Australia - people are living longer, they are having fewer children and they are retiring earlier

· by 2021, numbers of people aged 65 and over are expected to nearly double within the Penrith LGA

· there is no simple and widely recognised definition of ‘older people’ and they are a diverse group

· baby boomers have different expectations about getting older

· the importance of prevention – Framework for Active Ageing (the World Health Organisation), the Penrith Sustainability Principles

· support for ‘ageing in place’

· planning for age-friendly communities.

This provides only a brief ‘snapshot’ of some of the results of Stage 1 of the project. The detailed findings of this research are contained in the final draft Strategy which is available at Attachment 1 to this report.

Stage 2 – Community and Stakeholder Consultations

A series of community consultations was undertaken in March 2008 to generate information about the concerns and interests of Penrith’s older residents and foster input to the Strategy from government agencies, service providers and community organisations.

The consultations were held in different locations across the City including Penrith and St Marys. The consultations included both targeted workshops and public meeting type formats to promote and ensure a diversity of participation by residents and stakeholders. The details of the consultation sessions were:

· two public consultations in Penrith and St Mays for residents and the local community

· two workshops in Penrith and St Marys for service providers, community groups and government agencies

· seven targeted focus group workshops with individuals and representatives from; Nepean Food Services (frail aged), Gilgai and the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, rural community (Maltese group at Llandilo), Spanish and Dutch community groups at St Marys and a carers focus group (Penrith)

Some older people from rural areas also participated in the Nepean Food Services group as well as the public consultations. Over 260 participants attended the consultations.

The consultations were structured around three broad theme areas:

· Homes and communities that support ageing in place

· Opportunities for meaningful participation – economic and social

· Healthy lifestyles, care and support.

The detailed outcomes from individual consultations and an overall summary were documented in a ‘Consultation Outcomes Report’ which has been provided to all consultation participants and is also posted on Council’s website. A presentation on Stages 1 and 2 of the project including the consultation outcomes was made by Elton Consulting to a Councillor Briefing in May 2008.

In broad terms, the consultations identified a high level of satisfaction with Council’s services and facilities. The following points indicate some of the priority areas that participants highlighted for further consideration in the preparation of the Planning for an Ageing Community Strategy:

· A greater range of housing options for older people

· Infrastructure that supports a safe, healthy and active lifestyle (paths, parks, roads, public spaces)

· Better public transport and community transport

· Better access to information about what is available

· Safety and security concerns

· Affordable and accessible recreation and cultural activities

· Opportunities to be involved and valued in the community.

Where appropriate in the consultations Council officers referred to many of the current initiatives that Council currently undertakes to support older residents in the City.

Challenges for Penrith

The information generated from the community consultation process and the outcomes from the research and demographic analysis identified that the key challenges for Penrith in planning effectively for an ageing community include:

· Meeting the diverse needs and changing expectations and preferences of different groups of older people within Penrith

· Balancing the needs of older people with others in a context of a changing community, where families, children and young people have to date made up the bulk of the population

· Responding to increasing demands for appropriate services and facilities to support older people to remain healthy, active and independent

· A growing need for aged care and support services associated with the significant increase in numbers of people aged over 85 years, where rates of disability and dementia are highest

· Planning for a greater diversity of housing options to accommodate older people

· Adapting infrastructure which has not been built in the past with consideration for an ageing population and

· Potential decreases in rate revenue as pensioner households increase.

These challenges have provided the basis for the Strategy development and reporting stage in preparing Council’s response to the challenges of planning for an ageing community.

Stage 3 - Strategy Development and Action Plan

The final stage of the project involved a review of the outcomes from the research and consultation phases, the determination of the priority areas for future Council activity and the formulation of detailed strategies and actions:

This process has included:

· synthesis of the research and consultation outcomes to clarify priorities and areas for strategy and action development

· review of the matters over which Council has direct control including potential adjustments to service delivery and possible strategic actions

· consideration of external partnership arrangements to take action on appropriate concerns

· identify issues for future advocacy and influence in relation to the impact of State and Federal government policy and programs in Penrith City and its regional catchment.

The proposed strategies and actions have been developed in the context of Council’s continuing program of services and facilities that support the health and wellbeing of older people. This Planning for an Ageing Community Strategy will add value to Council’s existing services to focus attention on delivering improved outcomes for Penrith’s older residents.

Strategic Action Plan

The strategic action plan component of the Strategy is a commitment to what Council will implement in response to the challenges identified for Penrith in planning for an ageing community. Individual strategies and actions have been formulated in close consultation with responsible managers and staff to ensure they integrate with and build on existing Council services.

The action plan timetable extends over a ten year period in recognition that the projected population ageing process will be a gradual change, with the impact likely to be greater in the second half of this period. The plan proposes a range of short, medium and longer term actions to position Council strategically in responding to the impact of these changes.

Five Themes

The action plan is structured around five priority themes which formed the basis of the community consultations.

The five priority themes are:

· Encouraging participation in social, leisure and cultural activities

· Encouraging healthy lifestyles and access to health care and support services

· Supporting older people to age in place

· Creating local communities that support active ageing

· Encouraging participation in, and contribution to, community life.

For each of the theme areas the Strategy outlines the following elements:

· Issue overview – presents the background and issues in the theme area

· What the literature says – identifies the research outcomes about the theme

· Council’s role – clarifies Council’s existing service provision

· What older people said in consultations – summarises community consultations

· Future issues and challenges – describes the priority matters to be addressed

· The strategies and actions – details what Council will do to respond in the future

The extract on the following page from the draft Planning for an Ageing Community Strategy (Attachment 1, page 36) presents an example of the strategies and actions for the theme area; Encouraging participation in social, leisure and cultural activities.

Section 10 (pages 69-70) in the action plan presents a strategy for on-going planning to ensure the outcomes from the implementation of the Strategy are monitored and that the Strategy is regularly updated to keep pace with changing circumstances in Penrith. The next section provides more detail on resourcing, implementation and monitoring.

Resourcing, Implementation and Monitoring

The action plan framework integrates proposed strategies and actions within the overarching vision of Penrith Council’s sustainability principles and future strategic program. This is important to promote the implementation of the overall Strategy and will help to embed the strategies and actions in Council’s annual planning and reporting processes.

The implementation of individual strategies and actions is the responsibility of the relevant manager. Managers have extensively reviewed the potential impact of specific initiatives in the Strategic Action Plan with respect to existing activities and future commitments. Implementation of some actions is included in current activities and will also be achieved through small adjustments to existing service delivery to ensure that services better meet the needs of older people. In the medium and longer term, the resource implications of strategies and actions will be included in Council’s annual business and operational planning processes. However overall the resource implications of the Planning for an Ageing Community Strategy are relatively modest.

Council also has been able to reorganise the aged and disability services portfolio with the approval of additional funding by the NSW Minister for Ageing, Disability Services and Aboriginal Affairs to support Council’s work in the Home and Community Care (HACC) service area. This was reported to Council at an Ordinary Meeting on the 25 May 2009. The appointment of a full time Community Development Officer – Older People will allow this position to focus attention on the coordination of implementation of the Planning for an Ageing and Community Strategy.

The Community and Cultural Development Department will have overall responsibility for facilitating and monitoring the implementation of the plan. An annual report on the implementation status of the plan will be prepared and a detailed review will be carried out after 5 years.

Conclusion

The draft Planning for an Ageing Community Strategy articulates Council’s considered response in planning for a growing ageing population. The Strategy is the result of an extensive research, consultation and action plan development process and positions Council as a strong leader and advocate in supporting Penrith’s increasing number of older residents into the future.

Council’s existing role complements that of other levels of government and this new Strategy will focus attention on ensuring Council services and facilities deliver optimum benefits for Penrith’s older people. An important component of the Strategy will be to continue and extend Council’s support and partnership work with the many community organisations funded by government to provide aged services in the City.

The draft Planning for an Ageing Community Strategy provides Council with a strong foundation from which to ensure it is well prepared for the challenge of a growing ageing population in the City.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Draft Planning for an Ageing Community Strategy be received

2. Council endorse the Draft Planning for an Ageing Community Strategy for Public Exhibition for a period of 28 days.

3. That a further report be prepared on the outcomes of the Public Exhibition process and any proposed changes to the documentation for consideration by Council.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

Draft Planning for an Ageing Community Strategy

75 Pages

Attachment

*Policy Review Committee Meeting*	*27 July 2009*
*A City of Opportunities*

Housing Opportunities for Older People

Compiled by: Kathryn Bohdanowicz, Social Planner

Authorised by: Erich Weller, Community and Cultural Development Manager

Strategic Objective: We have access to what we need

Strategic Direction: Our City’s services and facilities are provided equitably, and can be accessed by those in need

Executive Summary:

Consistent with Australia-wide trends the population of Penrith is ageing. By 2021, Penrith is expected to be home to approximately 45,285 people over the age of 55, accounting for 21.4% of the Penrith population in comparison to 17.8% (or 31,145 people) in 2006. This represents a significant increase in both the number and proportion of the population over the age of 55 years in Penrith LGA within the next 15 years. This population ageing is a significant challenge facing Penrith. As the population ages, the needs of individuals and communities will change.

A growing body of research indicates that the majority of older people wish to remain living in their own home as they age. Increasingly, older people are redefining the later stages of their lives and are progressively more eager to maintain their involvement in community life by enhancing their ability to remain in their existing homes and neighbourhoods.

To assist Council in responding to this challenge, Council has provided resources to complete a Planning for an Ageing Community Strategy for the City. There is a detailed report on this Strategy in tonight’s business paper. This Strategy has identified a lack of housing choice as a major issue and that older residents have a spectrum of needs regarding housing. To address these varying needs, the housing market in Penrith will need to deliver a diverse mix of housing.

There is a range of retirement village living options including residential aged care and self care units within the Penrith LGA. Demand for some forms of housing, such as self care units, appears to be exceeding demand. Local government, however, is well placed to identify local need and provide targetted responses to ageing and housing issues within their communities. Councils have the ability to plan and contribute to the co-ordination of service provision for older residents while also monitoring need and advocating on behalf of communities.

Penrith City Council recognises the importance of secure and appropriate housing for older residents of the City. It is proposed that Council host a Mayoral Forum at which local responses to this housing challenge can be discussed and opportunities identified for delivering housing forms that will assist in meeting the changing needs of older people in Penrith City.

Background

Secure housing is critical to the wellbeing of individuals and families as well as supporting participation in social and economic life. The importance of the availability of secure and appropriate housing is magnified for older people, who often have greater support needs and less opportunity or prospect to undertake major housing or lifestyle changes.

A growing body of research indicates that the majority of older people wish to remain living in their own home as they age. Most older people want to maintain their existing social networks with friends, family and others, and also their access to necessary services. While some will choose to move to more suitable housing to meet shifting needs as they age, or to fulfil desired lifestyle changes, many will wish to adapt their existing home to suit their needs.

Consistent with Australia-wide trends, the population of Penrith is ageing. Penrith will increasingly accommodate a larger proportion of older residents due to the ageing of the baby boomer generation, and the sustained trends of increased longevity and declining levels of fertility and mortality.

This population ageing is a significant challenge facing Penrith. As the population ages, the needs of individuals and communities will change. It can be expected that, as they age, older residents will experience significant life change which may include the loss of or separation from partners, increased frailty or deterioration in health and reduced capacity to independently meet their needs therefore requiring greater levels of, and access to, appropriate services and facilities. At the same time many older people are redefining the later stages of their lives and are increasingly eager to maintain their involvement in community life by enhancing their ability to remain in their existing homes and neighbourhoods.

Traditionally housing constructed in Penrith has been designed to meet the needs of families, with low-density detached housing being the predominant dwelling type. In association with other life changes, the housing needs of older people alter as they age with many finding that a family home has become too large and presents too great a burden to maintain. The family home may be less suitable due to other changes such as a decrease in accessibility caused by a reduced capacity to drive, or other mobility impairment.

The historical and continuing emphasis on larger detached dwellings in the Penrith housing market needs to be addressed to ensure that sufficient smaller dwellings with access to shops, services and transport will be available to meet the needs of the growing numbers of older residents in Penrith City.

To assist Council in responding to this challenge, Council has provided resources to complete an Ageing Strategy for the City. This Planning for an Ageing Community Strategy includes actions for Council to facilitate proactive responses to the housing challenges for older people in the City. A report on this Strategy is also included in tonight’s business paper.

This Strategy has identified that older residents have a spectrum of needs regarding housing. More detail of Council’s role in addressing this issue is provided on pages 11-13 of this report.

Concepts of Older Age

There is no clear definition or consensus as to what age distinguishes a person as an ‘older person’. A variety of age milestones are adopted by government agencies to identify a person as ‘older’. While there are variations, the ages of 55 years, and 65 years, tend to be commonly used markers of older age due to the financial implications of these ages. Indeed, individual experiences of health status, income, workforce participation, social standing, family and generational expectations, all play a role in a person’s conceptualisation of their own and other people’s age status.

Additionally, research identifies that there are a number of life stages that are experienced in what often is inadequately and simplistically described as ‘old age’. Due to significant increases in life expectancy, there are stages of the life cycle that can be characterised as ‘pre-retirement age’ of 55-65 years, ‘young-old’ of 65-75 years, ‘middle-old’ of 75-85 years and ‘frail-aged’ of 85 years and older.

Generational differences are also apparent. Unlike the pre-war generations, baby boomers are unlikely to accept current definitions of older age and retirement that have been well established in Australian culture. It is expected that baby boomers are likely to redefine the meaning of the later stages of life and are likely to contribute to a further re-evaluation of old age and its categorisation.

These life stages and generational attitudes correspond to a variety of life goals, expectations and needs and have significant impact on residents’ differing aspirations and expectations regarding their home environments. Indeed it is a case of one size does not fit all. Furthermore, the diversity of older people results in different requirements for access to services, support, care, and housing.

Active Ageing and Ageing in Place

Increases in average life expectancy in Australia as well as other broader social changes have resulted in shifting attitudes to older age. These changes have resulted as many older people begin to face more than a quarter of a century of life ahead beyond retirement at around 60 years of age.

This extension of the older life stages has led to changes in thinking about ageing and has resulted in more positive and active approaches to ageing. Increasingly, it is understood that preventative health care actions undertaken while young contribute significantly to well being in older age. This prevention view is described as ‘active ageing’ or ‘ageing well’ in which actions are taken in anticipation of altering needs to best accommodate change. The philosophy of active ageing has led to a shift in understanding of the role housing plays in life as a person ages.

The term ‘ageing-in-place’ characterises an approach to housing for older people which recognises the importance of social networks and community engagement in the lives of older people. Ageing-in-place also has implications for planning for future housing needs and may include incorporating design interventions in a house to allow an older person to live in their home for longer, despite mobility impairments or other changes.

Housing for Older People

A range of housing types and care models are well established within the Australian housing market. New approaches to housing design are also continuing to emerge which aim to embed universal design, accessibility and considerations of ageing into the design of housing. Housing for older people falls into the following categories:

Universal, adaptable and accessible housing: Universal housing and adaptable housing includes housing that is flexible and meets the needs of people of different ages and abilities over time. These forms of housing have been developed to be largely indistinguishable from other housing.

· Universal housing is designed with the aim of being useable by most people over their lifetime without the need for major adaptation. Considerations of future needs are embedded within the original design of a dwelling (e.g. wide doorways for wheelchair access). These dwellings are often considered to be ‘barrier-free’ allowing access for all people whether they are in a wheelchair, have reduced cognitive function or are pushing a child’s pram.

· Adaptable housing refers to housing that meets the Australian Standard for Adaptable Housing (AS 4299) and is designed to incorporate some degree of access requirements, or can be easily modified to improve access. The Australian Standards provides performance requirements for houses to be classified as Class A, B or C according to the number of features incorporated within the building design.

· Accessible housing generally refers to purpose-built dwellings for a person or persons with a disability.

Retirement living housing: A range of retirement village living options have been developed in recent decades. These have included ‘resort style’ and ‘community village’ housing developments which offer communal facilities, activities and services which are available to residents as part of an agreement to purchase or lease a dwelling. Retirement Villages are regulated by the NSW Retirement Villages Act 1999.

Increasingly, retirement villages offer a range of housing types in recognition of the varying needs of residents. This usually means that a retirement village offers serviced and un-serviced self-care/independent living units, as well as residential aged care which might consist of a mix of low (hostel) and high (nursing home) care.

Self care/independent living units: These units are primarily designed to house independent older people who are able to care for themselves. They can include private courtyards or gardens and garages to cater for the living needs of independent older people. These units may form part of a retirement village or may be considered in-fill housing, located within existing streets and housing subdivisions.

Communal facilities such as club houses may also be provided, depending on the size of a village. Laundries can either be provided privately or communally.

Serviced self care housing: Similar to self care housing, this type of housing has all the facilities of self-care housing but is developed to allow residents to avail themselves of support services. These services may include meal preparation, personal care, nursing and domestic tasks.

Residential aged care facilities: Aged care housing providers recognise that older people may require a level of care which may range from a low level of care consisting of basic nursing care and provision of meals, to continuous medical care. This type of care is predominately provided in larger communal buildings with a trend towards each resident having their own private room, subject to their needs and care requirements. Residential aged care can be separated into two main categories:

· Low level care in which accommodation and meals are provided, along with occasional nursing and personal care. This type of housing is often described as hostel care.

· High level care where a higher level of nursing and medical care is provided to residents along with meals, personal care, and other assistance. This category often includes specialised care for residents with dementia or other cognitive disabilities. This is often described as nursing home care.

SEPP (Housing for Seniors and People with a Disability) 2004

Since the early 1980s State planning policy encouraging the provision of housing for older people has continued to develop. Following introduction in 1982, State Environmental Planning Policy No. 5 (known as SEPP No. 5), was implemented before being replaced in 2004 by SEPP (Seniors Living) 2004 following an extensive review. Recently SEPP (Seniors Living) 2004 was reviewed and in September 2007 amendments were gazetted resulting in the redevelopment of the policy as SEPP (Housing for Seniors and People with Disabilities) 2004.

SEPP (Housing for Seniors and People with Disabilities) 2004 applies to large-scale housing developments as well as smaller in-fill multi dwelling developments which are located within existing suburbs. SEPP (Housing for Seniors and People with Disabilities) 2004 permits the following residential housing:

· residential care facilities;

· hostels;

· a group of self-contained dwellings (in-fill self care housing and serviced self care housing); or

· a combination of these.

SEPP (Housing for Seniors and People with Disabilities) 2004 aims to encourage the development of housing for older people and people with disabilities through the provision of planning opportunities for developers. If a SEPP (Housing for Seniors and People with Disabilities) 2004 housing proposal meets key criteria of the SEPP including reasonable access to services and transport then certain local planning controls may be superseded by the requirements of the SEPP.

Older People in Penrith City

This section provides a brief demographic profile of some of the key characteristics of older people in Penrith City including age, migration trends, income and population projections.

Current Population Profile

Penrith has a relatively younger population than the rest of Sydney, with a smaller proportion of older people (over the age of 60 years) and a larger proportion of younger people (under the age of 18 years) than the Sydney Statistical Division (Sydney SD). Over a quarter (27.7%) of the Penrith population is under the age of 18 years which is substantially higher than the Sydney SD (23.6%). 20,535 people in Penrith were 60 years of age or older in 2006, accounting for 11.9% of the total population compared to 16.7% in the Sydney SD.

In the five years from 2001 to 2006, Penrith experienced decreases in the numbers of people in all age brackets less than 50 years of age, while experiencing increases in all age brackets over 50 years of age. This reveals a considerable demographic shift. This is illustrated in Graph 1 below.

Graph 1: Change in age structure of Penrith City, 2001 to 2006

The trend outlined in Graph 1 is expected to continue over the next decade and beyond.

Migration into and out of Penrith

An analysis of the migration patterns of older Penrith residents also helps to understand the needs and interests of these residents and implications for Penrith’s future. Between 2001 and 2006, Penrith experienced a net migration loss of 8,276 people (please note that this net loss figure does not include the effect of natural population increase produced by the City’s total births minus total deaths – taking into account natural population increase between 2001 and 2006 Penrith City had a population decline of 212). The greatest net loss of residents was of those in the 35 to 54 year old age bracket with a drop of 3,010 people in this age group. The 55 to 64 year old age group experienced a net loss of 1,360 people, while the 65 years and older age group had a net loss of 158 people between 2001 and 2006.

While the top three destination LGAs for residents migrating out of Penrith in the last 5 years were the Gold Coast, Wyong and the Blue Mountains, older Penrith residents clearly preferred to make a ‘sea change’, leaving the Sydney metropolitan area for coastal locations. For both 55 to 64 years and 65 years and older age groups, the top 5 destinations for migrators did not include a Sydney metropolitan LGA. 55 to 64 year olds favoured Wyong, Shoalhaven and the Gold Coast, while 65 year olds and older migrators preferred the Gold Coast, Wyong and Greater Taree areas.

It is difficult to ascertain the extent to which out-migration by older people is due to a lack of housing choice for older people. However clearly the ‘sea change’ phenomenon is a factor affecting the motivations of older people leaving Penrith.

Between 2001 and 2006, the greatest source of in-migrating residents were from the Blacktown LGA for age groups 55-64 years and 65 years and over which was consistent with the top source of total in-migration population into the Penrith LGA overall. The second largest LGA source of migration into Penrith for 55-64 year olds was the Holroyd LGA, consistent with overall population trends. For 65 year olds and older, however, the second largest source of residents migrating to Penrith were from the Blue Mountains, indicating perhaps, the value placed on the regional facilities and services available within the City by this age group.

Income Profile of Older Residents

Compared to the general population of Penrith, older people have relatively low incomes. In 2006, most residents over the age of 65 years had an average income in the range of $150 to $399 per week which is substantially lower than the average weekly income of Penrith residents of $517.

There is a significant degree of income disparity between males and females in Penrith. Women over the age of 55 years have lower average weekly incomes than men of their equivalent age. Most females over 55 years earn less than $400 per week. Relatively few men over 65 years earn more than $600 per week.

Women are also more vulnerable to poverty, partly due to their greater longevity. In Penrith, women account for 70% of the population over the age of 85 years. If on a lower income at a young age, women tend to experience sustained poverty into and throughout older age due to the reduced opportunity to generate income.

Future Population Profile

While Penrith currently has a relatively young population, the age structure of the City is changing rapidly, revealing the interplay of a number of demographic changes in the area including:

· the ageing of a large number of baby boomers who settled in newer suburbs of Penrith as young adults;

· migration out of the Penrith area by younger people, who it seems are establishing families and homes elsewhere; and

· widespread trends of declining fertility, increased longevity and reduced mortality.

According to population projections, Penrith is expected to be home to 210,484 residents by 2021. These projections are based on the development of a number of large-scale urban release areas within the LGA as well as growth within a number of Penrith’s existing centres.

By 2021, Penrith will be home to approximately 45,285 people over the age of 55, or 21.4% of the Penrith population as opposed to 17.8% (or 31,145 people) in 2006. This represents a significant increase in both the number and proportion of the population over the age of 55 years in Penrith LGA within the next 15 years. This is illustrated in Graph 2 below.

Graph 2: Penrith population: age structure and projected age structure - 2006, 2015 and 2021

Housing in Penrith

This section provides an overview of Penrith’s housing stock, a summary of data on housing stress in Penrith, as well as some information on retirement village living in Penrith City.

Penrith City’s Housing Profile

The predominant housing type developed in Penrith throughout the last 50 years has been the detached house suited to single families. Focus has been placed on the needs of families within the area, with a highly developed housing market catering for family needs. Less developed is the housing market to cater for the growing number and increasing needs of older residents of Penrith.

Unlike the broader Sydney region, Penrith has a greater proportion of detached dwellings with 85.2% compared to 63.3% of all dwellings in Sydney. While 23.9% of all dwellings in Sydney are apartments, only 6% of all dwellings in Penrith LGA are apartments or units.

Key populations characteristics and trends identified by consultants, Informed Decisions include the following broad demographic changes affecting Penrith’s housing market:

· Changing household structure - in particular the declining size of households and corresponding increase in the overall number of households

· The ageing of the population

· Greater proportions of elderly people.

Housing NSW has provided a detailed analysis of Penrith’s local housing market which helps to better understand the local housing context particularly regarding housing stress. Key issues include:

· 55-64 year olds accounted for 11% of all people experiencing housing stress in 2006 while 65 year olds and older accounted for 10%. Therefore people over 55 years of age account for 21% of all people experiencing housing stress, despite their reduced likelihood to participate in the workforce. In terms of households, single person (36%), couple parent (25%) and single parent (21%) households experienced the majority of housing stress according to household type. This indicates that considerable housing stress is experienced by older Penrith residents with older single residents being particularly vulnerable to housing stress.

· Penrith has a declining average dwelling occupancy rate. This trend is shifting housing preferences, placing greater pressure on the existing stock of dwellings currently available and affecting demand for housing stock appropriate to household size.

· Penrith has proportionally less public housing than the Greater Metropolitan Region with 4.3% compared to 4.8%. 44.2% of public housing tenants in the Penrith LGA are over 55 years of age. Single tenants represent 49.4% of total public housing households.

· There is a low level of housing purchase affordability in Penrith for low and moderate income households. Only 4.0% of purchase housing stock is theoretically affordable at June 2007, and 59% of low and moderate income households are in housing stress.

· There is a need for more diversity of housing stock, particularly one bedroom and two bedroom stock to meet the needs of the significant numbers of lower income single person households in the private rental market.

· The number of residents living permanently in caravan accommodation is significant considering the instability of this form of housing due to external influences over redevelopment and changes to length of stay available at sites.

Retirement Village Living in Penrith

There is a range of retirement village living options including residential aged care and self care units within the City. Appendix 1 contains a list of all aged care facilities (including low and high care) and self care/independent living units situated within retirement villages which are located within Penrith LGA. As can be seen from Appendix 1 long waiting lists exist for some self care/independent living units. For example in Edinglassie in Emu Plains there is a waiting list of 465 people with 45 units available.

Council currently owns and manages the Lemongrove Retirement Village in Gascoigne Street Penrith. This retirement village consists of 30 independent living units and a community room, providing affordable and accessible accommodation to independent people over the age of 55 years. Occupants are responsible for meeting their own needs as no on-site care is provided.

Council also owns Lemongrove Gardens Hostel in Gascoigne Street Penrith, a 42-bed hostel which is currently being managed by Anglican Retirement Villages.

Key Points

It is clear from the list in Appendix 1 that demand for some forms of housing such as self care/independent living housing is exceeding supply.

Delays in accommodating different household needs appropriately and in a sustainable way ultimately leads to some residents experiencing anxiety due to an inability to access appropriate housing. Some out-migration from Penrith is likely to be influenced by a lack of suitable housing options for residents as they transition through the various phases of life and corresponding cycle of housing needs.

In addition a key factor for older people in Penrith City is that those on low incomes and who do not own their own homes have very little choice of housing options. Thus either social housing or affordable and secure private rental housing is critical.

Key aspects of the housing issues relating to older people in Penrith are:

· Housing choice – provision of a range of housing types including quality, size, design and capacity for adaptability

· Housing affordability – the relationship between need and income

· Housing location and accessibility – location in terms of access to required facilities and services

· Services and facilities – the provision and location of these throughout the LGA.

Penrith’s Regional City Status

Penrith’s regional city status as identified in the Metropolitan Strategy underscores Penrith’s growing importance for older residents residing within the region. As Penrith continues to develop and accommodate high quality regional services and facilities, the ageing population is likely to place increasing importance on their access to such attractors.

Important considerations for older people include planning for their future to meet their varied needs by ensuring reasonable access to:

· Health and support services

· Social and cultural hubs and events

· Economic, retail and transport nodes

· Recreation and leisure facilities, including registered clubs.

Of particular concern for some older people is access to adequate healthcare and medical services to meet their needs. Penrith is fortunate to be able to support these residents, with the Nepean Hospital and its surrounding health professional services and facilities being a significant asset and attraction.

Government Responses to Australia’s Ageing Population

The Australian government places emphasis on a whole-of-government response to ageing. This stems from recognition that the ageing of the population is a common issue facing the whole community and organisations operating within it. The national approach has been outlined within a National Strategy for an Ageing Australia (2001). This policy direction has focussed on joint responsibility and coordination by levels of government towards meeting the needs of an ageing population in a consistent manner.

A key responsibility of the Commonwealth government is the administration of funding for and regulation of low care (hostel) and high care (nursing home) residential care. The Commonwealth and State governments also jointly fund and administer the Home and Community Care (HACC) program which provides services such as home maintenance, domestic care and support and community transport to assist frail aged residents with the key objective of supporting older people to age in place. The Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care (DADHC) and NSW Health continue to maintain leadership roles in planning and delivering community and health services for older people.

Local government is well placed to identify local need and provide targetted responses to ageing and housing issues within their communities. Councils have the ability to plan and facilitate the provision of services for older residents while also monitoring need and advocating on behalf of communities.

Penrith Council’s Role

Penrith City Council recognises the importance of secure and appropriate housing for the older residents of the City. Penrith Council’s existing commitment to housing for older people is demonstrated in a number of its core responsibilities and actions including:

· land use planning and development control functions

· social and service planning

· facilitation of housing initiatives that target older people.

Land Use Planning Activities

Council’s Local Planning Team leads Council’s land use planning response to Penrith’s population ageing. Planning has been guided by:

· Acknowledgement of the ageing of Penrith’s residents and the increasing number and proportion of residents who are older.

· Appreciation of the value of providing a diversity of housing types and sizes, including affordable housing, to meet the needs of changing and diverse communities within Penrith.

· Understanding of the effects of housing location on the accessibility of services, transport and facilities.

· Recognition that the existing stock of low density detached housing in Penrith is unlikely to satisfy future demand for housing that meets the diverse needs of an ageing population.

The following initiatives have been developed by Council’s planning teams to address the needs of Penrith’s ageing population:

· Development of an Urban Study and draft Urban Strategy for the City which provides a strategic framework to manage future growth of the City’s existing and proposed urban areas, and meet the needs of a changing and diverse community.

· Implementing a centres-based planning approach by bringing forwards residential land use zones and planning controls which support growth and increased densities within the catchment of nominated centres with access to facilities and services including transport.

· Developing planning controls which seek to create sustainable, safe, and attractive living and working environments.

· Actively promoting the delivery of a range of housing opportunities including affordable housing, in planning for new urban release areas, consistent with the key principles and planning development criteria outlined in the Sustainability Blueprint for Urban Release Areas.

· Encouraging the development of accessible and adaptable housing as a part of major housing developments within the City.

· Discouraging housing developments for older residents in less accessible or more remote rural areas which have reduced access to adequate facilities and services.

Council’s Social Planning and Service Planning

Council’s principal social planning response to the issue of population ageing is encapsulated in Council’s development of the Planning for an Ageing Community Strategy. There is a report in tonight’s business paper on the draft Planning for an Ageing Community Strategy.

Council also undertakes service planning regarding issues relevant to an ageing population in active partnership with the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care. Council officers meet regularly with other Councils in the Nepean region and representatives of DADHC. It is expected that in 2009/10 there will be approximately $800,000 of additional funds for key service enhancements to support frail older people in their homes in the Nepean region, including Penrith City.

Council also plays a key role in providing leadership and coordination to the aged services sector in Penrith through convening monthly Community Care Forum meetings. Although not directly focussed on housing for older people the community services in this network are the major providers of support to enable frail older people to age in their homes.

Council’s Facilitation Role

Council’s role regarding housing for older people is primarily met by Council acting as a facilitator not a direct provider of housing. Some of the reasons for this approach include:

· Recognition of Council’s core responsibility for planning and influencing development of the built environment for current and future communities.

· Recognition of the variety of housing needs of older people and that ways to address them can be best met by organisations, both not for profit and for profit, who have a focus on providing accommodation for older people.

· Understanding of the cost implications of direct service provision and the limited resources of local government.

· Acknowledgment of the key leadership and advocacy role of local government in facilitating housing outcomes that respond to local need.

Council will continue to provide leadership regarding the provision of suitable housing for older people within Penrith. This will require ongoing focus on the planning, leadership and advocacy roles that Council exercises as part of its overall operations.

In April this year Council submitted a proposal for seniors housing to Housing NSW in response to a request for tender. Housing NSW’s request for tender program aimed to facilitate the Federal Government’s objectives for increasing the supply of social housing as part of the Commonwealth Government’s Nation Building and Jobs Plan. The tender presents an opportunity for Council to contribute to the housing stock available for older people living in the City. The formal outcome of this tender has not yet been announced.

Council also facilitated negotiations regarding the purchase of land in Kingswood by Anglican Retirement Villages for the construction of an aged care housing development. This development, if the current DA is approved, will provide up to 77 serviced self-care units in addition to the already approved 102 residential places in an aged care facility.

Council has also been active in progressing dialogue with Landcom regarding the potential of incorporating housing for older residents in other proposed development areas in the City.

The Way Forward

Given the increasing number of older residents in the Penrith City community, it is important that Council take proactive steps to address the complex issue of housing for older people living within the City. Council’s principal role is as a facilitator rather than as a developer or provider of housing. This has been identified as the most appropriate approach for Council to address housing challenges within the City.

Councillor John Thain, during his term as Mayor, and the current Mayor have identified housing for older people as a priority for the City.

A way to enhance Council’s existing facilitation role has been identified. It is proposed that Council host a Mayoral Forum in the second week of September at which aspects of this housing challenge can be discussed in greater detail. This forum will offer opportunities for land owners, developer groups, aged care providers and other support service providers to respond to the housing challenges for older people in Penrith.

At Council’s invitation, several specialist speakers will present their knowledge of the issue and how proactive responses can be formulated and implemented. Council will also seek to have a spokesperson from the Federal Department of Health and Ageing address the forum.

A presentation by Council planners will also provide an overview of Penrith’s larger residential and urban release area planning developments, some of which may provide opportunities for housing for older people.

It is expected that a number of opportunities will emerge from the forum through networking that will lead to additional housing for older people in the city. Outcomes from the forum include:

· Increased community and stakeholder awareness in relation to the housing needs of older people in Penrith City.

· Networking opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the housing challenges for older people in Penrith.

· Facilitation of a co-ordinated response to meeting the housing needs of older people in Penrith City.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Housing Opportunities for Older People be received

2. Council host a Mayoral Forum on Housing Opportunities for Older People in Penrith as outlined in this report.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

1. View

List aged care facilities and self care/independent living housing in retirement villages located within Penrith LGA

2 Pages

Appendix

# Meetings at which the Management Plan 1/4ly reviews are presented	^ Election of Mayor/Deputy Mayor
#+ General Manager’s presentation – half year and end of year review	@ Strategic Program progress reports [only business]
< Briefing to consider Draft Management Plan for 2009/2010	ü Meeting at which the 2008/2009 Annual Statements are presented
v Meeting at which the Draft Management Plan is adopted for exhibition	Y Management Plan Councillor Briefings/Public Forum (June)
* Meeting at which the Management Plan for 2009/2010 is adopted.

*Policy Review Committee Meeting*	*27 July 2009*
*Appendix 1 - List aged care facilities and self care/independent living housing in retirement villages located within Penrith LGA*

*Policy Review Committee Meeting*	*27 July 2009*
*Attachment 1 - Draft Planning for an Ageing Community Strategy*