Support for seniors maintained in tough Budget

Date: Tuesday, 21st July 2009

Townsville City Council has shown a strong commitment to supporting the city’s seniors through a tough financial year.

Pensioners will continue to get a helping hand with their rates with one of the most generous rebate schemes in Queensland.

Eligible pensioners will receive rebates of up to 85 per cent or $800 off their general rates under the scheme.

Council has committed to further promotion of affordable public transport for seniors by continuing the Pensioner Transport Subsidy Scheme, with $350,000 allocated in this year’s budget.

The scheme entitles eligible pensioners to discounts of up to 80 per cent on the normal fare when travelling on the city’s buses or ferries.

Working in partnership with State and Federal Governments, council will continue to support the frail, aged, and people with a disability to remain in their own homes through the provision of a suite of home services.

This year’s Budget maintains the $1.9 million allocation for home services including repairs, modifications, security improvements and yard maintenance.

The mowing services have been improved by converting to a voucher system, allowing more seniors across the city to access assistance.

Other support includes:

• Development of a Seniors Action Plan
• $22,500 for Generation Chat (an intergenerational program for schools) and Stay in Touch – a Seniors Guide to Council booklet
• $200,000 for the annual Pioneers Party, Seniors Picnic and other Seniors Week celebrations, including Seniors Music Day on Magnetic Island
• Mobile library services visiting homes and residents of retirement villages, pensioner units, nursing homes and hostels.
• Lifestyle and Community Development Committee chair Cr Jenny Lane said the budget had maintained pillars of support for older residents.

“We understand our older residents are some of the hardest hit in difficult economic times, and we are determined to offer as much assistance as possible with the necessities, such as rates rebates and transport subsidies, but also social support which has earned Townsville a reputation as a caring community,” Cr Lane said.

Media Information >> Cr Jenny Lane 0417 726 699