- New Queensland Seniors Strategy provides blueprint for an age-friendly state
- It will be driven by actions across government totalling more than $10 billion to build infrastructure, services and supports
- The latest round of grants designed to help combat social isolation among older people is a key initiative under the strategy
Senior Queenslanders will have better access to the services they need under the Miles Government's new Seniors Strategy.
Minister for Seniors and Disability Services Charis Mullen joined older residents at the Caloundra Seniors Expo to announce the Age-friendly Queensland: the Queensland Seniors Strategy 2024–29.
The strategy is the blueprint for creating an age-friendly state, which will be driven by actions totalling more than $10 billion across government that will help meet the infrastructure, services and social support needs of an ageing population.
A key initiative under the strategy is the Seniors Social Isolation Program, which will receive funding of $33 million over five years.
Under the latest round of grants, $12.5 million over five years will be provided to deliver additional programs and peak services aimed at preventing older Queenslanders becoming isolated.
Council on the Ageing Queensland is the new peak body, with 27 organisations being offered funding to build on the existing services, starting 1 October.
The strategy was developed by engaging with more than 16,000 older Queenslanders from the south-east corner through to western Queensland and up to the Torres Strait.
Three consistent themes emerged during these consultations.
Older Queenslanders want to be connected to their communities and the people and services that matter to them; they want to be cared for and supported by world class frontline services; and they want to be recognised and celebrated for their significant economic and social contributions.
The Queensland Government has taken action to ensure seniors are benefiting from cost-of-living relief.
The first year of the new Seniors Strategy includes a record investment in concessions for Seniors Card holders and other eligible Queenslanders, including an electricity rebate of up to $1,672 for eligible seniors that means most will not pay for electricity this financial year.
There will also be cheaper and improved public transport, helping seniors to stay connected, and community safety initiatives to help them feel more secure.
As stated by Minister for Seniors Charis Mullen:
"Queensland's population is ageing, making it more important than ever that we deliver the right services and support seniors need to live active, healthy and productive lives.
"We want an age-friendly state that embraces older people and recognises the enormous value they contribute to our families, neighbourhoods and the wider community.
"This strategy and its supporting action plan will help us create Australia's most age-friendly state, where older residents are connected, cared for and celebrated.
"I'm pleased that we have been able to offer funding to 27 organisations through the latest round of grants under the Social Isolation program to help ensure seniors remain connected in their communities.
"I look forward to these activities being delivered and seeing the benefits they bring."
As stated by Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt:
"I'm proud to belong to a government that values the contribution seniors make to our lives and communities.
"It's so important to be doing as much as we can to support them at this key stage in their lives.
"I recently hosted a sold-out seniors' morning tea in Caloundra.
"It was absolutely wonderful to spend a few hours in a room full of seniors from across our community and from all walks of life.
"I was reminded just how much we need to listen to and learn from our elders and just how much of a vibrant and rich contribution active seniors make to our community."
As stated by Council on the Ageing CEO Darren Young:
"Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland has been encouraged by the Queensland Government's strength of engagement with older people, using their views and aspirations to shape priorities in the new Seniors Strategy.
"This strategy acknowledges that Queensland's population is ageing and aims to better prepare the state to age-well into the future.
"Investment into social isolation prevention, which includes supporting seniors to stay connected in their communities and more affordable public transport, responds directly to the needs of more vulnerable older people in Queensland and is particularly welcomed."
