COTA SA welcomes the opportunity to provide a submission to South Australia’s 20-Year State Infrastructure Strategy discussion paper.

COTA SA cares deeply about ageing well and is committed to ensuring older South Australians have the opportunity, capacity and ability to navigate the changes of ageing in their place of choice. South Australia’s 20-Year State Infrastructure Strategy is an opportunity to deliberately plan to support South Australians to age well, now and into the future. As the oldest state by demographic on mainland Australia, South Australia is uniquely placed to lead the way.

In the many models of ageing well, the most common elements that support and empower navigating change are health (including physical and mental wellbeing), security (including housing and financial security), purpose (including volunteering, working and self-actualisation) and connection (including having a sense of belonging and social connection).

COTA SA strongly advocates for an infrastructure strategy and planning system that lays the foundations for communities that are age-friendly, cohesive, inclusive, resilient, adaptable and accessible. Strategic design and planning that allows people to age in their home and in their community, leads to positive health and wellbeing, and minimises cost and disruption to the individual, their community and ultimately, the public health system.