More retirees head south

An attractive lifestyle and ageing workforce have combined to position the South West as a hot spot for seniors and retirees in the next 15 years.

In the new South West workforce development plan the Western Australian Planning Commission forecasts a population growth of between 60,000 and 100,000 by 2026 and that “a higher proportion of the future population will be of retirement age”.

The plan also lists capitalising on the migration of seniors to the region as a recommended priority action.

Bunbury Commerce of Chamber and Industries chief executive Ray Philp welcomed the projection and said an influx of retirees presented a host of opportunities for the city.

“Employment in the areas of health and community services will be boosted by an increase in the number of senior residents while the ‘younger’ senior people will benefit travel agents, retailers and the hospitality industry,” he said.

“Retired people are also often very active within the community and we have some great examples in Foodbank, Club Doctors, service clubs and not-for-profit boards.

“They also provide a lot of support for the family unit, especially for families in which both parents work.”

Bunbury Mayor David Smith said attracting seniors to the region had wide reaching benefits.

“Retirees and pensioners are important in economic terms as they still have needs that result in jobs,” he said.

“Because of improved health and services, seniors can now work longer and many choose to do so.

“They can become mentors and supervisors to new arrivals.

“As a city we need to have specialist staff who work on seniors issues and develop and provide services for them.”

Association of Independent Retirees Bunbury branch president Barry Marshall said the South West ticked most boxes for retirees but lacked key medical infrastructure.

“Bunbury and the surrounding regions offer a lot in terms of hospitality, leisure activities and social clubs and services,” he said.

“The city’s one major downfall is that it does not have a first grade intensive care unit so many patients have to be flown up to Perth, which is an issue, especially if their partner is unable to drive up to visit them.”