THE city's rapidly growing ageing population is the driver behind a proposed retirement facility and relocatable home park with up to 264 dwellings at Victoria Point.
The over 50's development, not solely for retirees, would be on four blocks - including a former poultry farm and truck yard - on Cleveland-Redland Bay and Double Jump roads at Victoria Point.
A needs assessment, part of an application submitted to council, said the Redlands needed up to two additional senior living facilities per year until 2031.
This was based on data that the average retirement facility had about 100 units and the average aged care facility provided 77 beds.
The assessment found that, even with pipeline projects completed, there would be an under-supply of 157 units by 2021 and up to 1415 by 2031. "The development will make a strong contribution towards addressing increasing underlying need conditions, however additional senior and retirement living will be required throughout Redland City in order to fully address forecast economic need," the report said.
Mayor Karen Williams said the Redlands Coast population was ageing faster than those of neighbouring metropolitan councils.
"In 2016, the median age of the Redlands Coast population was 41 years - a rise from the 2006 median age of 38, which, over the 10-year period, surpassed greater Brisbane, Queensland, Sunshine Coast and Australia," Cr Williams said.
"This means the demand for health care services will increase given the rapid growth in the ageing population and more funding will be needed to provide for long-term care programs.
"There will also be increased demand for age-specific infrastructure and services in the city such as housing, and increased pressure on general infrastructure and services supporting an ageing population."
She said this brought opportunities for increased education and training and demand for age-friendly products and services.
Cr Williams said council was involved in groups like Redlands Aged Care Provider Network, Redlands Seniors Network, Redlands Disability Network and the Primary Health Network to help support the ageing population.
"We are also currently developing an Age Friendly City Strategy to encourage active ageing where older people can participate in social, economic, cultural and labour force activities as well as be physically active as they age," she said.
"Excitingly we are also leading work in the area of innovation and entrepreneurship for the aged as well as collaborating with local service providers around programs that support dementia."
Cr Williams said council was exploring the concept of a centre of excellence for gerontological medicine, aged care and education which would be a confluence of health, research, education and innovation.
"I have also approached honorary ambassadors to our sister and friendship cities about international training opportunities in aged care," Cr Williams said.
"We are exploring the possibility of international students studying in the aged sector coming to the Redlands to train, providing a cultural experience for the students while at the same time providing additional support for our local community."
The Cleveland-Redland Bay and Double Jump roads site is zoned "emerging community" in the city plan.
The application is for preliminary approval (variation request) to vary the effect of the local planning instrument for a material change of use for a retirement facility and relocatable home park.
Submissions on the application are due by July 11, using the reference MCU19/0001.
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