Algester is set to become a more age-friendly community, after the Palaszczuk Government launched a new action plan this week to build more inclusive and respectful communities.
Member for Algester Leeanne Enoch said this year’s State Budget had dedicated $8.3 million over four years to deliver the new strategy – Queensland: An Age-friendly community – and implement the 79 new and improved actions detailed in the action plan.
“This plan has been informed by the community, including those from Algester who completed the recent public survey which asked Queenslanders, both young and old, to suggest practical solutions to make our state more age-friendly,” Ms Enoch said.
“We now have a great plan which sets our government’s priorities, initiatives and services that will help to enable people of all ages to actively participate in community life.
“One of these actions is the Advancing Queensland: an age-friendly community grants program, which will seed-fund community initiatives that involve partnerships with local councils and other organisations to develop, implement and promote innovative age-friendly projects.
“Actions will also address recommendations made in the Parliamentary Inquiry into the adequacy of existing financial protections for Queensland’s seniors.”
Ms Enoch said the plan outlined and addressed the eight age-friendly domains developed by the World Health Organisation including transport, housing, social participation, employment and health services.
“An age-friendly community ensures people are free from age-related barriers that prevent them from participating in all aspects of community life,” Ms Enoch said.
“Under our new strategy policies, services and structures have been designed to support and enable people to live in safety, enjoy good health, and have the opportunity to participate fully in society, accessing services as needed.
“We can only achieve this vision if we as a community, government, individuals and sectors work in partnership to enable people of all ages to participate in community life.
“By adopting this attitude in Algester we are ensuring our community is a better place to live – for everyone.”
The action plan supports the implementation and delivery of Queensland: an age-friendly community - strategic direction statement which was launched on 20 April 2016.
For more information on Queensland: an age-friendly community Action Plan and Strategic Direction Statement, visit www.qld.gov.au/agefriendlycommunity.