Construction begins on new Wooloowin disability housing

Published Tuesday, 27 May, 2014 at 12:17 PM

Minister for Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services
The Honourable Tracy Davis

New age-appropriate homes for young people with a disability in Brisbane’s inner-north are now one step closer, with ground broken today on Youngcare’s Wooloowin project.

Disability Services Minister Tracy Davis visited the land to turn sod on the Thorrold Street site, which was gifted to Youngcare under the Government Land for Accommodation and Support Services program.

“Through initiatives like this, the Queensland Government is revitalising frontline services for families as promised at the election, and is preparing to transition the state to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS),” Ms Davis said.

“This government has strong plan for a brighter future and ahead of the NDIS transition, we will continue to form innovative partnerships with organisations like Youngcare to increase the quantity and diversity of housing available for people with a disability.

“There was shortage of disability accommodation left by Labor, but by building alternative models of housing we recognise the needs of people with disabilities are broad and different.”

Member for Clayfield Tim Nicholls said turning the first sod marked the official start of construction work for the share house development.

“This project begins to address the unmet need for more age-appropriate disability accommodation in Clayfield,” Mr Nicholls said.

“It will become a home for four people with a disability, offering them the opportunity to live an independent life.”

Youngcare CEO Samantha Kennerley, said the project, will create a home for young people who currently have no other option.

“Seeing younger people live in aged care is a national tragedy and new age-appropriate homes like this development, bring us a step closer to ensuring all young people get the opportunity to live young lives,” Mrs Kennerley said.

Youngcare chairman Nic De Luca said Youngcare was working on a range of housing options that suited different people’s lives and fit in with families and neighbourhoods. 

“We aim to complete construction of the new share house in late October 2014,” Mr De Luca said.

“Healthcare both at the share house and the co-located family homes of Stage 2 will be expertly provided by Wesley Mission Brisbane.”

For more information about the project visit www.youngcare.com.au

[ENDS] 27 May 2014

Media Contact:        Katherine Fraser (Minister Davis) 0417 172 480

                                Matt Adams (Youngcare) 0403 473 085

                                Clayfield Electorate Office 3262 8819