Innovative disability accommodation helping families

More Queensland families will have greater certainty and peace of mind about housing for their adult children with disabilities through the expansion of a State Government support program.

Premier Campbell Newman said the $17 million Elderly Parent Carer Innovation Trial had so far created 61 new accommodation places across Queensland for adults with disabilities who wanted to live more independent lives away from their ageing parents.

“One of the challenges faced by elderly parents of people with a disability is what happens to their growing children when their own diminishing health means they can no longer care for them,” Mr Newman said.

“This program is about meeting an unmet need which existed before the LNP came to power and creates new and innovative living arrangements for people with disabilities.

“It’s comforting for families to know there is accommodation for their younger loved ones so they can live in a safe environment while maintaining dignity and some independence.

“Through initiatives like this trial, we are revitalising frontline services and helping Queensland to get ready for the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).”

Mr Newman and Disability Services Minister Tracy Davis toured the Lutheran Community Care’s Karawatha disability accommodation in Woodridge – one of eight organisations delivering a funded project in partnership with the Queensland Government as part of the trial.

Disability Services Minister Tracy Davis said the third round of funding under the Elderly Parent Carer Innovation Trial, which opened today, would expand the current program of work which has leveraged $17.2 million through a $7.2 million government investment.

“As part of round three, organisations are being invited to apply for a share of more than $9.8 million for projects which create innovative living arrangements for people with disabilities who have elderly parent carers,” Ms Davis said.

“Grants of between $50,000 and $1 million are available towards the costs of accommodation options including construction, modification or acquisition projects to assist people with disabilities.

“Our government has a strong plan for a brighter future, and through this Queensland-first trial, we are supporting families while also working with the non-government sector to deliver value for money projects.”

Member for Waterford Mike Latter said he was pleased to see first-hand how the trial was improving the lives of adults with a disability in Logan.

“The Lutheran Community Care project received $1 million in the first Elderly Parent Carer funding round, and it is already accommodating people with a disability in four purpose-built units,” Mr Latter said.

Lutheran Community Care’s Chief Executive Officer Jacqueline Kelly said she was very pleased to be welcoming their first residents, and their families, to the Karawatha Community.

“It is wonderful to be part of an innovative project that will offer independence, certainty and a sense of security to Queensland families for many years to come,” Ms Kelly said.

“This project would not have been possible without the support of the Queensland Government, and we are delighted to be partnering with them in this important work.”

Funding for the Elderly Parent Carer Innovation Trial is open until 8 December 2014, apply online: http://www.communities.qld.gov.au/gateway/funding-and-grants/funding-available

[ENDS] 30 October 2014

Media Contact: Premiers Office 3719 7000

Minister Davis - Katherine Fraser 0417 172 480