RVA sets industry agenda
The peak body has set 28 advocacy targets for 2008-09 and has plans to introduce a new awards system and training program.
The Retirement Village Association (RVA) has identified advocacy, sustainability and high organisational performance as its top priorities for 2008-09.
New CEO Jane Holdsworth said the industry has been established as a serious player in the property market and the association hoped to play a leading role in its continued growth.
“The retirement village industry is the fastest growing sector of the Australian property market,” said Ms Holdsworth.
The industry body has highlighted 28 advocacy objectives which it hopes to pursue over the coming financial year.
Its lobbying efforts will focus on areas such as the application of the GST to retirement village acquisitions, reducing municipal rates for residents and clarifying the terms and definitions in the various retirement village regulations.
The RVA also hopes to launch a new award program for members. The National Business Excellence Awards will recognise and reward achievements in innovation, design, environmental sustainability and business operations.
“In keeping with the emergence of the industry as a key player, we need to ensure that we continue to achieve best practice standards, and these National Business Excellence Awards are a good way to recognise this,” said Ms Holdsworth.
Other major priorities for the RVA over the next 12 months include an increased focus on industry research and the introduction of a national professional development program.
