Juniper has welcomed the Western Australian Government’s new $100 million Low-Interest Loan Scheme, describing it as a practical step to unlock much-needed investment in residential aged care infrastructure.
Announced by WA Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Simone McGurk, the scheme offers concessional finance below commercial lending rates, aimed at accelerating the construction, expansion and refurbishment of aged care facilities across the state.
Juniper CEO Russell Bricknell said the initiative delivered on an election commitment and addressed a growing capacity gap in Western Australia’s aged care system.
“This is a sign the State Government is prioritising the needs of older people and helping address the shortage of beds in WA – something the Commonwealth should be doing as well,” Mr Bricknell said.
He noted demand for residential aged care continues to rise across metropolitan, regional and remote WA, while providers face escalating construction costs and limited access to affordable capital.
“Juniper has been advocating for measures like this for some time, particularly as demand for aged care continues to increase across metropolitan, regional and remote WA. Concessional loans of this nature will support providers to build new beds, refurbish ageing facilities and deliver purpose-built environments that better meet the needs of older Western Australians.”
With WA offering just 65.5 residential places per 1,000 people aged 70 and over, and construction costs sitting at around $750,000 per bed, Mr Bricknell said initiatives that lower the cost of capital are critical.
“This scheme will help ensure aged care services remain accessible and sustainable into the future, while also easing pressure on the broader health system and supporting local jobs in both construction and care,” Mr Bricknell said. “By focussing on concessional residents, it also ensures people without means will not be left behind.”
Juniper has several projects ready to progress through the loan application process and says it looks forward to working with the State Government to deliver additional services for older Western Australians.
