Administration Authority
The District Council of Loxton Waikerie is the Administering Authority of the Loxton Retirement Village and in doing so complies with all requirements of the Retirement Villages Act 1987 as amended.
Council has a Retirement Village Management Committee to administer the village and provides administrative support by way of the Administration Officer.
The provision of accommodation is classed as Independent Living Units and care and health support is the residents own responsibility as no live in or village care facilities are provided by the administration authority. Prospective residents should be 55 years of age as a minimum.
Resident Funded Scheme
Residents do not buy a unit but are provided as a licence to occupy for which the new resident pays an interest free loan based on the valuation of the unit prior to taking up occupancy. The loan is refunded as a percentage of the valuation conducted when vacating the unit and depends on the length of occupancy. For example:
- Up to 3 months - Full refund
- 3 months to 24 months - 90% of valuation
- 24 months to 36 months 80% of valuation
- Over 36 months 70% of valuation
These percentages are subject to review and may change in the future, but will not affect residents with existing contracts.
A fortnightly service fee payable in advance is required to cover all expenses in relation to the maintenance of the retirement village. This fee is currently $112.50 per fortnight and is reviewed annually. Residents pay this to the council office by arranging to have it debited from their financial institution.
Waiting List
Because of the popularity of the Village there is a waiting list and interested persons are encouraged to register early if contemplating village life. You do not have to accept an offer if you are not ready and you do not lose your place on the list if refusing. It makes it easier on the Administering Authority if when registering you set out any preferences. This of course limits the range of offers and if there are no set preferences it increases the chance of early offers but even that is unlikely under two years. So the earlier that you plan for your retirement the better to increase your chances.
It should be noted that there are units classified as disabled access but these are limited and can only be offered on vacancy.
Standard Fitments
All units are air-conditioned and are fully electric throughout and there is facility for the installation of gas room heating. Hand rails in bathroom and toilets are a standard fixture.
Newer units have ducted air-conditioning, solar hot water service and dishwashers. Additionally residents have installed ceiling fans, security shutters or canvas awnings. In most instances these are transferred to the new resident on valuation as part of the licence fee or in some cases by direct negotiation.
Refurbishment
As a unit becomes vacant, the Administering Authority undertakes an extensive refurbishment of the unit to ensure that incoming residents feel as though they are getting an as 'new' unit. All units are repainted and re carpeted as a matter of course and are reviewed for wear after 10 years of occupancy by the same resident/s.
Maintenance
The Retirement village surrounds are maintained by a contracted maintenance person. He is available and happy to assist with any item of maintenance that a resident requires, (light bulb changing, tap washer etc). Residents are encouraged to discuss the adjacent surrounds as some residents like to do some gardening excluding of course the lawn mowing.
Any item of maintenance concern can be raised with him direct however there may be a need to refer the matter on and this will be done for the resident. Alternatively the Administration Officer can be contacted and advice sought on any matter associated with the residents occupancy. New/modifications to the unit or electrical installations must be referred to the Administration Officer for approval.
Health and Medical
The village does not provide on call assistance for health and medical and this should be discussed by the resident with their own Doctor. There is however extensive support from the Loxton Hospital Complex including Domiciliary Care and Meals on Wheels are available. The Hospital also has a Day Activity Centre and residents are invited to attend the various entertainment sessions that are held.
Transport
Community Bus operates on Tuesday and Thursdays and pick up from your address can be arranged by contacting the Day Care Co-ordinator at the Loxton Hospital Complex.
Inter town Services operate on a regular basis and leaves from a bus stop in View Street. This is handy for village residents that may have to travel to Berri for instance for specialist medical appointments. A time table is obtainable from the Administration Officer.
Taxi Service is available by simply calling Loxton Taxis on 8584 5400 or mobile 0418 8839 289.
Newspapers
The local newsagency provides newspapers direct to the door for the appropriate charge.
Mail
There is normal mail delivery to your own letter box.
In Peter Jackson and Frank Petch Courts there are strategically placed mail delivery walls. In Leatrice Pfitzner Court residents have an individual letter box in their front lawn.
Rubbish Removal
A rubbish bin is provided and a weekly refuse collection of household waste is conducted by council.
Loxton Facilities
The administering authority does not provide a village community hall, bowling greens etc that are found in some larger complexes, as it is felt that there are a wide range of these activities in the Town. The hospital has a Day Activity Centre that provides a range of activities and Senior Citizens meets regularly in their hall. A full range of service clubs Rotary, Lions, Apex, Probus and Zonta cater for all interests. As well there are a number of community based committees that support the town and these organisations seek voluntary input from the community. So there is ample to occupy the retiree.
Administration Officer
The Administration Officer is available to assist with any enquiry that prospective residents may have in relation to the occupancy of a unit and can be contacted at the
Community Access Centre
4 Drabsch Street (behind the Post Office)
Telephone: 8584 8060 during business hours
If he is not there, messages can be left with the volunteer worker so that the call can be returned.
