The plan will guide aged care in Stawell and surrounding areas for the next four years and is a direct result of an objective set in the Council Plan.

That objective was to develop an Aged Care Plan for the shire, providing an opportunity for strategic planning to respond to the changing demographics of the shire's population.

It also sets out to meet demands through innovative programs that promote active, positive ageing and community participation.

Manager community services Greg Little advised council that it has a commitment to caring for older residents of the community through its highly accredited Home and Community Care program, as well as complementary activities such as Senior Citizens Clubs, Community Access Plan and close networks with aged care service organisations.

``In developing an aged care strategy, council is demonstrating leadership in the community through advocating for improved funding, support and infrastructure for people currently in need of aged care services and planning for services that will meet the need of a changing demographic of older people in the future,'' Mr Little said.

``The Aged Care Plan 2008-2012 was prepared by the council's community planning team based on research and consultation with key service providers of Aged Care in the Northern Grampians Shire.

``Following endorsement at the April council meeting, the community planning team has sought comment on the plan from the broader community, local stakeholder groups and the Victorian Department of Human Services. The feedback that has been received has further enhanced the document.''

Mr Little advised that the Aged Care Plan has identified:

The need for an aged care plan.

The current demographics and predictions for a changing population.

Current service needs.

Current service provision in the Northern Grampians Shire for older people.

Future directions of services.

Proposed key directions for aged care services in the Northern Grampians Shire.

``The key theme of the plan is to support the development, promotion and advocacy of aged care services to meet the expectations of the community for their care now and into the future,'' he said.

Cr Ross Clementson praised the new plan, but moved that it be known as the seniors participation and care plan.

``We are an ageing population and this is a very complex plan that our staff have put together,'' he said.

``It covers everything from meals on wheels and Senior Citizens who are all very active. There are a lot of seniors out there who do important volunteer work.''

Cr Clementson said plans such as this were necessary, particularly when reading reports in metropolitan newspapers that there are elderly citizens in Melton who simply cannot afford to live because of high costs.

Cr Wayne Rice said the whole focus of the plan was to encourage acting living among the ageing community.

``What this document says is that we want seniors to participate and not just sit indoors watching television,'' he said.

``We are leading the way in showing we are willing to look after our ageing people of the shire.''