Aged care resolution or revolt
Dear Echo News,

After almost two terms in office, the state Labor government has still not resolved the aged care crisis which was caused initially by neglect over generations by the two major parties. What a legacy.

Why are we still in crisis do you think?

Is it because there is not enough money to address the problems?

No WA is a rich state. We can afford it.

Our mining dollars puts us well ahead of the others, but still there is a shortage of aged care beds and new facilities for the elderly.

In my view, after 22 years of advocacy for aged care, this is because neither Labor nor the Liberals gives the elderly any real priority in their policy making.

It is as simple as that.

So, if you are heading towards retirement and hopefully old age, be aware that we are still in crisis, and you will be entering this crisis.

In the City of Kalamunda alone, we are almost 200 aged care beds short.

This is unconscionable, given that government land is available and suitably zoned at Heidelberg Park in Carmel.

I have spent endless hours trying to convince candidates at election time that if you prioritise care for the aged in the building of independent living units (ILSs) and nursing homes, you can kill two birds with one stone.

Firstly, you will address the above neglect, and, as the elderly downsize, or go into care, homes are freed up for the housing crisis. A simple win-win.

The last letter I had from a state minister stated the problems were out of his control as there is a building crisis and tradesmen are short. Really?

The state government has the money, so, fix this and get on with the job.

The other fact is that aged care providers are now walking away from the industry nationally, or going into the red. Why is that?

Governments used to totally control aged care but they passed the buck to private providers.

If these providers are now walking away, then governments are still responsible and must pick up the slack. They gave it away, let’s face it.

It is not just about the lack of tradies or providers and it is not about money.

It’s about mismanagement of a developing crisis over a generation. You reap what you sow.

To Labor candidates wishing to be elected or re-elected I say finish the job you promised to address. No more excuses. You’ve had six years.

And to the Liberal Party, some advice from somebody who has been in this game a long time – don’t promise if you don’t plan to deliver.

We, the elderly, have had enough already. And we recognise spin. It is results time now.

To all the pollies existing and aspiring, we say no more talking please.

Just get on with it and make it a truly Happy New Year for your aged and infirm constituents in need.

I Jones
Friends of Aged Care Lesmurdie

Accidents on the hill are still continuing
Dear Echo News,

Yet another horrific accident on Greenmount Hill.

Thanks to Midland MLA Michelle Roberts I have obtained an urgent meeting with the Transport Minister’s chief of staff to discuss the immediate reduction of speeds to 70km/h going up and 60km/h coming down Greenmount Hill.

We are to discuss the terms of reference for the impending Main Roads review including police reports, the RAC black spot and reports from emergency responders; police and ambulance and the costs involved to the government and to we the drivers through the massive insurance costs of these accidents.

Inexplicably, although invited to represent all ratepayers the shire has declined to attend this meeting and will not support an urgent meeting of all concerned citizens, the shire and main roads to express our demands and local knowledge of the dangerous intersections.

Just who or what does the shire represent and stand for?

Surely it’s got a responsibility to promote community engagement rather than just administer rates, roads and rubbish?
And all this delay for just four speed signs for safety.

C Hughes
Voices of Bullwinkel

Parking is blocking traffic
Dear Echo News,

Just a short note to tell you of our neighbourhood problems.

For some time, the neighbours have been having a problem with the Bailey Brewery parking in the street and blocking traffic back to West Swan Road (stopping patrons at gate to see if they have a booking).

This is a major concern to Park Street traffic flow as trucks are getting stuck on the corner.

Cars trying to continue up Park Street while traffic is held up at the gate trying get into the venue doesn’t work, full stop.

The other main problem is street parking.

Vehicles being parked some 200m down the road on both sides.

And then their patrons wandering down the middle of the road, as there is no pathway, and there is no room for both cars and pedestrians.

The neighbourhood has been onto the City of Swan for years, but nothing has changed.

Are the COS waiting for someone to get injured?

B Potter
Henley Brook