Perth Voice Interactive

A SPECIAL council meeting will be held regarding the redevelopment of the Mertome retirement village in Bayswater.

The Winifred Road home was established in 1972 and accommodates 213 people in 200 units. It was the first of its kind to be constructed by a council and pioneered WA councils’ involvement in aged care. Many are now getting out of the sector, labelling the assets financial white elephants.

With tired facilities and pressing demand, Bayswater council is considering expensive redevelopment.

Cr Terry Kenyon says residents should not have to pay a fortune to move into new homes.

“Delays are the norm and the residents are really fed up with all the let-downs,” he says. “Most of them are looking forward to the redevelopment in a positive manner, now only to be told they will have to pay $400,000-plus to move in.

“I don’t support this as some residents have been there for over 30 years and paid $7000 to move in.

“So as retirees of over 30 years, where will they find these funds?”

One option being considered is a $170-million, 20-year redevelopment of the aged care complex, with 316 apartments in two- to seven-storey buildings.

Some $22 million is required to fund the first stage. The council has $9m from the aged persons home and is looking to fund the $13m shortfall.

The special meeting will be held on October 27 at the Bayswater civic centre at 7pm.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK