More Aged Care Beds for North Western Tasmania

Support from the Gillard Government’s Zero Real Interest Loans initiative has helped deliver more aged care services in Deloraine.

The Government’s Zero Real Interest Loans initiative provides low-cost finance to aged care providers to support the construction or expansion of aged care facilities in areas of need.

Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot toured the $1.3 million extension at Kanangra Hostel that is providing nine new beds supported by a $100,000 Zero Real Interest Loan. Kanangra Hostel can now provide care for 48 residents.

Minister Elliot said: “The Gillard Government is supporting the development of new aged care places through capital grants and low-cost finance.

“We believe older Australians deserve better. Better health services and better aged care services and that is why we are getting on with the job of reforming our health, hospitals and aged care system.

“In the last Budget, the Government has extended the Zero Real Interest Loans initiative to support the development of up to 2,500 new aged care places.

“A strong economy and decisive action by the Government during the global financial crisis has enabled these important investments to be made, providing a fairer share and more support for older Australians and their families,” Minister Elliot said.

Tasmanian aged care providers have already been offered more than $16 million in Zero Real Interest Loans to support 130 new aged care places. The initiative has resulted in 15 new places delivering services with a further 79 places in the construction and planning phases.

Minister Elliot said: “Providing low-cost finance is a practical and commonsense way we can help aged care services expand. It is great to see Tasmanian aged care providers taking full advantage of this assistance from the Government.

“In addition to the construction jobs, the facility provides an ongoing boost to the local economy, creating more jobs in the aged care sector,” Minister Elliot said.

The Gillard Government is reforming aged care. We are taking full funding and policy responsibility to build a nationally consistent system. This national system will be supported by one-stop shops for better access to services, more highly qualified staff, more aged care places, better access to GP and primary care and stronger protections for older Australians receiving care.

Souce: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing