Seniors living project on the menu for Manjimup

MEDIA RELEASE - Seniors living project on the menu for Manjimup

June 2017

The Housing Authority, supported by the Shire of Manjimup and Creating Communities, held a 'Community Conversation Caf' on Tuesday, 6 June 2017 to provide an update and seek feedback on the Seniors Living Project in Manjimup.This project, which is now gaining momentum, plans to construct independent living units for seniors on the old Manjimup Primary School site bounded by Moore, Mount, Rutherford and Collier Streets in Manjimup.

"The concept for this project came to the forefront in 2006 when Council was presented with a petition of 974 signatures, calling for development to occur on the old primary school site for seniors/over 55s housing," explained Shire President Paul Omodei.

Taking place at the Roundhouse in Manjimup, the Conversation Cafe was facilitated by 'Creating Communities' who gave attendees a menu of conversation topics as well as refreshments to partake in. Mr Daniel Ballard from the Housing Authority provided information on the background of the project and attendees were then invited to participate in an activity to provide feedback on the internal and external design of the living units.

"It is important that the Project's visions and objectives meet the needs of the Manjimup Community and that it supports a better quality of life for aging residents," said Mr Ballard. "I'm excited to review the innovative feedback we received today and look at incorporating what we can into the final design."

"The Shire of Manjimup facilitated a process in 2014 whereby people were encouraged to register their interest in the project," said Cr Omodei, who is impressed that many of those original advocates of the project are still providing strong support for the project. "It is taking time, but the backing for this project certainly hasn't dissipated, in fact, it's become stronger."

In 2014, the site was rezoned to accomodate the proposed development and $2 million of Royalties for Regions funding has been committed to the project.

"We wrote to the Minister for Housing - the Hon. Peter Tinley AM MLA - requesting a meeting and he has responded saying that he would like to meet as soon as possible to discuss timeframes for the development as well as the benefits the project will have on the commmunity - so we have the necessary State Government backing as well," concluded Cr Omodei.

-ENDS-

Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer

Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Coordinator Communication and Executive Support

Contact: 9771 7777

Contact for comment: Paul Omodei, Shire President.

Contact: 0448 810 773