ALGA releases 2006 ageing survey
Council under increasing pressure as population ages
28 April 2006
ALGA has today released the results of the 2006 survey on ageing and local government. The survey reveals that 99% of councils believe that population ageing will have an impact on their municipalities - just over 30% identified the impact as severe.
Some 226 councils responded to the survey, represting more than 33% of all councils.
It reveals that councils have begun to respond to the impacts of population ageing.
Some councils are investing in services to support their senior residents, such as libraries and home and community care, others are investing in initiatives to support their mature aged workers, while others sponsor programs that promote active ageing.
Combined with these activities, is the increasing number of age development officers employed by councils.
The survey results indicate that 104 local councils have a staff position that is dedicated to ageing issues.
It also shows:
- 77% of local councils have engaged with stakeholders in understanding local ageing needs
- 57% of respondents have compiled a demographic profile and 29% have assessed the impact on council operations
- 16% of councils have developed an ageing strategy
- 28% are in the process and 44% expressed an intention
- more than 70% of respondents identified the provision of library services as a major area of activity to support their senior residents. Home and community care was another major area of activity (48%).
Councils support their mature aged workers with a range of initiatives. The highest response rates were the promotion of a healthy work environment (135), carers leave (126) and part-time work (124).
One third of councils have funded population ageing issues training or awareness programs for councillors, staff or the community in the last 12 months.
Seniors organisations (162) and service providers (161) are the most common form of partnerships.
The survey, an initiative of the Australian Local Government Population Ageing Action Plan, attracted a strong response with 226 councils participating. The survey results will assist ALGA to build the capacity of local government to plan for an ageing population.
Details of the 2006 survey can be found on the ALGA website.
- Contact
- Cr Paul Bell AM, ALGA President - 0418 791 596
- Rohan Greenland, ALGA Public Affairs - 0412 85 9434 / 02 6122 9434
