Talking housing for seniors

LISMORE City Council are set to host the North Coast Seniors Housing for Life Charrette develop solutions for the region’s sizeable ageing population.

LISMORE City Council are set to host the North Coast Seniors Housing for Life Charrette from November 18-19 to develop solutions for the region's sizeable ageing population.

Based on 2011 figures, the North Coast has a significantly higher proportion of people aged 65+ (20%) than the state average (15%). This is predicted to increase to 30% by 2030.

The charrette will examine how to deliver improved housing choices for seniors and build stronger partnerships between key stakeholders in the housing sector.

A steering group will be established following the charrette to progress the action plan developed.

Charrette Chair, Lismore Mayor Jenny Dowell, explained that the NSW North Coast Ageing Strategy (NCAS) was adopted in 2014 and advocates a "life course" approach to ageing.

This involves government, NGOs and the private sector supporting older people to live a healthy, active and independent life for as long as possible.

"The North Coast Seniors Housing for Life Charrette responds to the housing and related infrastructure issues and goals identified in the NCAS," Cr Dowell said.

"The charrette invites investors/developers, financiers, builders, planners and service providers to unite in designing and building accommodation that reflects local, national and international trends and showcases best practice.

"We will also highlight current barriers and recommend actions to address these. We need to find generic solutions that can be adopted across the North Coast."

The charrette will be facilitated by Kobus Mentz from Urbanismplus, a leading urban thinker who has worked in around 80 towns and cities internationally, and will act as an adviser to help unlock complex urban challenges.

The North Coast Seniors Housing for Life Charrette is on Wednesday and Thursday, November 18-19, in the Council Chambers from 9am.