Released 07/12/2017 - Joint media release
Page and Hughes will become Canberra’s next age friendly suburbs, with local residents invited to help identify path and road safety improvements that will help make walking, cycling and moving around easier for older residents.
“Page and Hughes have been selected as the fifth and sixth ACT suburbs in the Age Friendly Suburbs program and will receive upgrades to the path network to make them more accessible and connected suburbs,” said Minister for Transport and City Services Meegan Fitzharris.
“We want to make it easier, convenient and more accessible for older residents to move in and around their community, so we are asking residents where the improvements are needed most, with a focus around access to local shops and services.
“If there are narrow path segments or uneven pavement on your usual active travel route, gaps in the path network, poor lighting, insufficient crossing time, few places to rest, lack of signage or no shelter at popular bus stops then we want to hear about it.”
According to the 2016 Census, of the 3,025 residents registered in Page, 30.3 per cent were aged 60 years and over. Similarly in Hughes of the 2,990 residents registered in Hughes, 27 per cent were aged 60 years and over.
These suburbs were chosen based on their demographic profile in consultation with peak ageing organisations and will follow improvements delivered in 2016 and 2017 in Monash, Kaleen, Ainslie and Weston.
“Although this project focuses on senior residents, the active travel improvements will also benefit the wider community, allowing people to remain connected to places that are important to them such as their local shops and community and outdoor facilities. Active travel improvements will help everyone stay healthy, active and engaged with their community – what works for older Canberrans will work for everyone!” Minister Fitzharris said.
“Active ageing and providing good infrastructure is important to help seniors age in place and remain fit and active to maintain a high quality of life. We will be engaging with communities in these suburbs and those throughout Canberra to help guide these and future upgrades,” said Minister for Veterans and Seniors Gordon Ramsay.
More information and an online survey are available at www.yoursay.act.gov.au and hardcopy surveys will be delivered to residents in both suburbs. Face-to-face consultations are planned to be held with the age and retirement facilities located in each suburb.
Consultation sessions:
Hughes:
Friday 15 December
1pm – 2:30pm
Hughes Community Centre, at the Hughes shopping centre on Wisdom Street
A pop up booth will also be at the Hughes shops on Wednesday 10 January from 10am – 12pm.
Page:
Monday 18 December
1pm – 2:30pm
Ridgecreast Retirement Village, 55 Burkitt Street, Page
A pop up booth will also be at the Page shops on Thursday 11 January from 10am – 12pm.
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Media Releases
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Claire Johnston |
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