The study, proposed by Cr Geoff Lake at a meeting on August 26, is aimed at understanding the needs of the age group to help shape the council's aged services.

The council is expecting Monash's 55yearold-plus population to reach 54,000 in 2011 - nearly a third of the city's population.

Mayor Paul Klisaris last week dismissed criticism of the report, calling it "vitally important".

"I don't accept arguments that it's a waste of money. It's much-needed research," he said.

"With an influx of baby boomers coming to the city, we need to ensure that, as a council, we understand [their] needs.

"The worst thing for an individual when they hit retirement is to feel isolated, as though their services are no longer required. It can cause depression and a range of other illnesses."

KPMG Property Advisory Services Group head demographer Bernard Salt, who has been commissioned to conduct the study, said the council initiative was a "proactive" move. He said that when people retired, they had a new set of needs, such as for connectedness, the need for wellbeing and the need to be involved as volunteers.

"The study is reading the social shift," he said.

Monash Ratepayers Association president Jack Davis described the study as an "absolute waste of money".

"Why do we need consultants to tell council that 27 per cent of our population is over 55 years old and that rates are unaffordable? Why not use the reserve fund to assist those baby boomers that can not afford to pay their rates?"

The final report is expected in mid-2009.

Details: KPMG project manager James Paul on email jamespaul@kpmg.com.au