By Alesha Capone
THE number of baby boomers living in the West is set to increase rapidly across the next two decades, according to new population forecasts.
Research into demographic trends from id Consulting, a Collingwood business made up of demographers, housing analysts and census data experts, shows residents aged 50-69 years old will make up a fifth of Point Cook’s population by 2031.
Between 2011 and 2031, id Consulting has predicted Point Cook’s baby boomer population will grow by 87 per cent.
In addition, Truganina’s baby boomer populace is set to expand by 79 per cent, Williams Landing by 76 per cent, Burnside Heights by 64 per cent, Derrimut by 61 per cent, Caroline Springs by 56 per cent, Taylors Hill by 55 per cent and Tarneit by 52 per cent.
Earlier this year, a submission to the State Government’s inquiry into ‘Liveability Options in Outer Suburban Melbourne’ warned that the high rate of ageing residents would place even more strain on Wyndham’s health services.
The West Gate General Practice Network, which has operated in Hoppers Crossing for 18 years, said existing services in the West “are stretched and are struggling to keep up with the growing demand on a rapidly growing population”.
“The West faces many challenges. Growth over the next 10 years will be concentrated in the outer Local Government areas (LGAs) of the Western region,” the submission said.
“The ageing population in the West will result in increased pressure on aged care services.
“Given the particular characteristics of the West’s population, this will include higher demand for more complex aged care services, and as the impact of chronic disease in the middle years results in higher demand for health services in the older population.”
Wyndham City Council also made a submission to the inquiry, which listed public transport, roads, jobs, funding for essential community services and quality urban design as matters requiring urgent attention from the State Government.
