Locals win from disability housing boost

Media Release

31 March, 2015

Locals win from disability housing boost

Local adults with disability and their elderly parents in Townsville will have access to better living arrangements, thanks to $1.1million housing project announced today.

Disability Services Minister and Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke announced that the Cootharinga and the State Government would partner in the project, which will change the lives of four local families.

“Cootharinga has received more than $770,000 in capital funding and will contribute more than $320,000 towards the construction of a five-bedroom home for four adults with disability and a carer, and a two bed unit for additional live-in carers,” said Mrs O’Rourke, who is also Minister for Seniors.

“The new accommodation will give elderly parent carers greater certainty and a sense of security for when they can no longer care for their adult son or daughter with a disability at home.

“As well it will create two construction jobs.

“Long-term sustainable housing options are a win-win for adults with disability and their elderly parents – it’s about providing a secure future.”

The Townsville project will involve the construction of a five-bedroom home complete with assistive technologies, as well as the two bed unit. A site is currently being sought including locations at North Shore.

Cootharinga acting chief executive officer Brett Edwards said the house would use innovation to meet the needs of both elderly parent carers, and their adult children with disability.

“Four people with disability will live at the home and the fifth bedroom will be used by a support person who will live in the home rent-free in return for being available overnight if needed, as well as provide intermittent support to the residents each day. The two bed unit will be tenanted by a couple who will also provide support and care to the residents,” Mr Edwards said.

“This project creates much-needed needed long-term accessible housing.”

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper welcomed the news of the new accommodation.

“Adults with a disability seek the same things that every adult does and that includes a place of your own and independence,” he said.

The project is part of the three-year Elderly Parent Carer Innovation Trial. Eight projects are already underway state wide under the trial.

Mrs O’Rourke said Queensland’s ageing population meant that increasing numbers of elderly parent carers with adult sons and daughters with disability were looking for future security.

“Having choice and control about where and how adults with disability want to live is in line with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which is due to roll out in Queensland from July 2016,” she said.

For more information about NDIS, disability support and services, including the Elderly Parent Carer Innovation Trial, visit www.disability.qld.gov.au.

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Media contact:                      Minister O’Rourke’s office                 3719 7184