With a prediction more than 1000 older residents will need suitable accommodation by 2027 some might want the Shire of Gingin to rethink its priorities.

In the past six months the shire has controversially spent more than $700,000 for land on Dewar Rd for a future recreational use while the amount of housing available for seniors remains at the same level it was in 2015.

Back then an age friendly community plan adopted by the shire said there were four independent living units in Gingin and 11 units for seniors in Lancelin.

That same plan estimated the shire would be home to 1082 residents over 70 by 2027.

The latest information available from the Gingin Care Group is that there are now 900 people over 70 living in the shire.

Video: Andrew Williams

The care group’s data aligns with ABS data collected during the 2021 census.

Despite the need for independent aged care units or a retirement village in the shire being named a high priority back in 2015 and several proposals being put forward in recent years there has been little progress.

One of the recent proposals put forward is the old tennis court site in Constable St and even a suggestion about some smaller lots in the new housing estate.

The Shire of Gingin said its planning department had been requested to engage a consultant to undertake a structure plan for the old tennis court site.

The shire said the old tennis court site was zoned town centre and not zoned for aged housing.

A scheme amendment is required to change the zoning.

This article appeared on  Yanchep News Online  on 3 August 2024.