Updates
A brighter future for seniors under latest strategy
Queensland Government media release
Senior Queenslanders will have better access to the services they need under the Queensland Government’s new Seniors Strategy.
Minister for Seniors and Disability Services Charis Mullen joined older residents at the Caloundra Seniors Expo to announce the Age-friendly Queensland: the Queensland Seniors Strategy 2024–29.
The strategy is the blueprint for creating an age-friendly state, which will be driven by actions totalling more than $10 billion across government that will help meet the infrastructure, services and social support needs of an ageing population.
A key initiative under the strategy is the Seniors Social Isolation Program, which will receive funding of $33 million over five years.
Under the latest round of grants, $12.5 million over five years will be provided to deliver additional programs and peak services aimed at preventing older Queenslanders becoming isolated.
Council on the Ageing Queensland is the new peak body, with 27 organisations being offered funding to build on the existing services, starting 1 October.
The strategy was developed by engaging with more than 16,000 older Queenslanders from the south-east corner through to western Queensland and up to the Torres Strait.
Three consistent themes emerged during these consultations.
Older Queenslanders want to be connected to their communities and the people and services that matter to them; they want to be cared for and supported by world class frontline services; and they want to be recognised and celebrated for their significant economic and social contributions.
The Queensland Government has taken action to ensure seniors are benefiting from cost-of-living relief.
The first year of the new Seniors Strategy includes a record investment in concessions for Seniors Card holders and other eligible Queenslanders, including an electricity rebate of up to $1,672 for eligible seniors that means most will not pay for electricity this financial year.
There will also be cheaper and improved public transport, helping seniors to stay connected, and community safety initiatives to help them feel more secure.