A recent report from the Western Australian government reveals an impending crisis in aged care, forecasting a need for an additional 1,600 to 2,700 residential aged care beds by 2030. This shortfall is attributed to an aging population and will require an investment of up to $1.8 billion. Currently, facilities are nearly at full capacity, with some areas in Greater Perth experiencing acute shortages. Factors contributing to this issue include high construction costs, workforce shortages, and policy uncertainties regarding accommodation pricing. Aged Care Minister Simone McGurk highlighted that the cost of building a new aged care bed in WA can exceed $650,000, significantly higher than the national average. She has called on the federal government to support a proposed $100 million low-interest loan scheme aimed at expanding aged care facilities. The report emphasizes that without immediate action, WA risks falling further behind in meeting its aged care needs.