The Retirement Living Council (RLC) has surveyed operator members about the gender profile amongst retirement villages in Cairns, revealing that 62 per cent of residents are single women. The average age of a resident across both genders is 81.
RLC Executive Director Daniel Gannon said council must decide whether it supports older women living in retirement communities.
"Given that 62 per cent of residents living in retirement villages across Cairns are single women, council's proposed rates change will disproportionately impact this cohort," Mr Gannon said.
"Council must think carefully about whether it wants to help or hinder older women who find themselves at greater risk of homelessness because the wrong choice will exacerbate what is already a deeply rooted problem across Australia.
"Older women are already the fastest-growing group of people experiencing homelessness in Australia, a scourge that anyone in a position of policy or power should appreciate and understand. It's a gendered problem and a consequence of long-term systemic issues."
Mr Gannon said retirement communities are a viable long-term and secure housing option for older women, as they provide safe and affordable homes and are designed to support people as they age.
"These communities are 'resident ready' and can immediately provide homes for women at risk of homelessness," he said.
Mr Gannon said Cairns Council believes it is acting in a "fair and equitable" manner without recognising:
- Council is proposing to drastically increase rates on a vulnerable segment of the population that needs support, including 62 per cent of residents who are single women.
- Retirement villages and relocatable home park residents are not eligible for the extra $200 concession that the Queensland State Government provides other pensioners in Cairns.
- Residents could not have reasonably expected or budgeted for an 800 per cent increase in council rates.
"Instead of causing financial and emotional distress to older people - especially women - Council should be providing support and encouraging 'rightsizing', which has the added benefit of freeing up larger homes for younger families," he said.
"Given 20 per cent of residents in Cairns will be over 65 by 2050, we need policies that provide safe, affordable accommodation for older women - not rate changes that force them into homelessness."
The Queensland State Government in December 2023 recognised the importance of supporting older women and established an advisory group to improve housing and support options for older women.
Many organisations have undertaken important work in this area, including the Sisters of Charity Foundation, National Older Women's Housing and Homelessness Group, and Retirement Living Council.
