COTA SA welcomed the opportunity to provide a submission to the Mount Barker Community Plan 2024-2044 consultation.

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.

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 learning) and connection (including having a sense of belonging and social connection). With many of these elements considered in the Mount Barker Community Plan 2024-2044, in particular the focus on ‘liveability’.

As the oldest state by demographic on mainland Australia South Australian councils are uniquely placed to lead the way in helping older people to live well, be engaged, and remain in their communities. Through their community plans, councils can build environments and services that support an ageing population and support older people to age well in their place of choice. Such an environment includes public and community transport and active travel, housing (affordable, adaptable, close to amenities), digital accessibility, climate adaptation, green spaces, accessible and safe communities that allow older people to stay active, cool and warm refuges to cope with extreme weather events, health and aged care services and community connection.

Planning for Ageing Well

People aged 50 years and over comprise approximately 39% of South Australia’s population.1 This is predicted to increase to 47% by 2041. There is rich and wonderful diversity amongst older people, of culture, experience, identity, relationships, gender, interests and beliefs. While Mount Barker may have a lower proportion of people aged over 60 years than under 18 years, compared to Greater Adelaide, the fact that the older age population has risen between 2016 and 2021 censuses highlights that having policies and actions that plan for – and are inclusive of – older people is critical.

Despite the significant investment we have made to achieve longer and healthier lives, older South Australians continue to face very real and significant challenges. They include access to quality health and aged care, being overlooked for opportunities in employment, social isolation and loneliness, inappropriate housing options and feeling invisible. These challenges are compounded by factors such as gender, identity, cultural background, socio-economic status and ability.

Mount Barker Community Plan 2024-2044

COTA SA strongly advocates for local council Community Plans that lay the foundations for communities that are age-friendly, cohesive, inclusive, resilient, adaptable and accessible. Strategic 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.

In response to Mount Barker Community Plan 2024-2044 consultation, COTA SA made several recommendations - read the full submission.