Hughes and Page residents will be given an opportunity to consult with the ACT Government about local paths and roads. Photo: Supplied.
The ACT Government is looking for local residents to help identify path and road safety improvements that will help make walking, cycling and moving around easier for older residents in the suburbs of Page and Hughes.
The suburbs will receive upgrades to make them more accessible and connected suburbs, in a bid from the ACT Government to make them more age-friendly.
All Page and Hughes residents will receive the age-friendly suburbs survey relating to their suburb in the mail with a prepaid return envelope.
The Government will continue to roll out the Age-Friendly Suburbs program in 2018, with the program having been implemented in Ainslie, Monash, Kaleen and Weston.
According to the Minister for Transport and City Services, Meegan Fitzharris, the program aims to make it easier for older residents in the community.
“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,” said Ms Fitzharris.
“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.”
Page and Hughes were chosen based on their demographic profile in consultation with peak ageing organisations.
According to the 2016 Census, of the 3,025 residents registered in Page, 30.3 percent were aged 60 years and over.
Similarly, in Hughes of the 2,990 residents registered in Hughes, 27 percent were aged 60 years and over.
“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,” Ms Fitzharris said.
Minister for Veterans and Seniors, Gordon Ramsay, said updated infrastructure is important in helping older residents.
“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 Mr Ramsay.
More information and an online survey are available at www.yoursay.act.gov.au.
Two face-to-face consultations are planned to be held at age and retirement facilities located in each suburb.
Consultation sessions:
Hughes:
Friday 15 December 1 pm – 2:30 pm
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 10 am – 12 pm.
Page:
Monday 18 December 1 pm – 2:30 pm
Ridgecreast Retirement Village, 55 Burkitt Street, Page. A pop-up booth will also be at the Page shops on Thursday 11 January from 10 am – 12 pm.
Do you live in Page or Hughes? What do you think of the quality of the paths and roads in your area? Share your thoughts by commenting below.
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