Queensland businesses set to prosper under NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will roll out across Queensland in just over a month, bringing significant opportunities to disability sector service providers and the wider business community.

Disability Services Minister Coralee O’Rourke today began the one-month countdown to Queensland’s full transition to the NDIS on July 1, which will start rolling out in the Townsville region.

During a visit to the new Montrose Therapy and Respite Services centre in Townsville, Mrs O’Rourke said many organisations had expanded their existing businesses to accommodate the expected increase in the number of people with disability using their services.

“Earlier this month, there were approximately 40 registered NDIS service providers in Townsville and I have been advised another 22 are in the process of becoming registered,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“Once fully operational, the scheme will support more than 4,800 people with disability in the broader Townsville region – creating up to 2000 disability sector jobs and ample opportunities for local businesses.

“This increase in demand and available options for people with disability will require significant growth and I am pleased service providers like Montrose are already taking up these opportunities.”

Montrose CEO Linda Apelt said outreach teams from Montrose had provided services to people in North Queensland for more than 15 years and they looked forward to continuing their long-standing relationship with the Townsville region.

“We are delighted the roll-out of the NDIS is allowing us to enhance our presence with a service centre in Townsville,” Ms Apelt said.

“Montrose has expanded from an outreach service to establish a service centre in Townsville, where they have created four permanent full-time roles and expect further growth.

“Our growing local team will allow us to expand our work with existing customers and work with many new people.”

The early launch of the NDIS in Townsville from January 2016 means families like Alamarie Johnson and her son Cooper can experience the benefits of the NDIS before 1 July.

“I am pleased to see the NDIS coming to Townsville and it looks like we will be able to access better support for Cooper which is more closely matched to his needs,” Ms Johnson said.

“It’s also important to know there is flexibility as he grows up and those needs change and it’s good to see boys with Duchenne, a muscular dystrophy condition, receive more help.”

Up to 15,000 Queenslanders with disability are expected to join the NDIS in its first year from July 1.

From July 2016 to June 2017, the NDIS will be rolled out in:

• Townsville, Hinchinbrook, Burdekin, west to Mount Isa and up to the Gulf
• Mackay, Isaac and Whitsundays
• Toowoomba and west to the borders.

During the visit, Minister O’Rourke also launched the second video in the ‘What the NDIS means to me’ series, which focusses on Service Providers. Watch here https://youtu.be/gyTlWRS25pc

For further information on the NDIS visit www.ndis.gov.au or call the NDIA Hotline on 1800 800 110

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