Housing in Brunswick Vital to the Ageing Population

The sod was turned at the Brunswick River Cottages where eight additional rental units will be built to offer affordable aged accommodation to enable residents to remain in their town.

Harvey Shire Council President Tania Jackson said there was a “huge contribution” from funding providers and residents to make this project possible.

“I can’t thank the Brunswick River Cottages committee enough for what they have done,” she said.

“We want to see people be able to stay in their community as they get older and a project like this allows people to have that choice.

“We don’t see a lot of growth of housing in this area (Brunswick) and a project like this is huge for the economic development of this community.”

Robyn Clarke MLA said “it wasn’t easy” but the passion and commitment from the community paid off.

Mrs Clarke said there were 80 submissions across Western Australia vying for $2 million and the Brunswick River Cottages received $1.5 million, along with $100,000 from the Local Projects Local Jobs fund.

“It’s great to see our State Government has acknowledged that aged care in the regions is a vital project and we really need to look after our elderly and for them to be able to stay within their community is important,” she said.

Brunswick River Cottages President Ken Hart thanked everyone who had been involved in making the project possible over the past seven years.

“It has been a rollercoaster but well worth it and to let people in our community stay in our town is what it’s all about,” Mr Hart said.

The Shire of Harvey also contributed $200,000, as did the Brunswick River Cottages Association.