New disability accommodation opens in Hinchinbrook

A new $1 million disability housing project has opened its doors in Burdell, providing sustainable and long-term living arrangements for up to six local people with disability.

Visiting the recently completed site, Disability Services Minister Coralee O’Rourke said the project would help to address a shortfall in appropriate accommodation for people with disability living with ageing parents.

“As part of the Elderly Parent Carer Innovation Initiative (EPCII), this five-bedroom purpose-built home and two-bedroom unit, will give older parent carers more certainty about the long-term care options for their son or daughter with disability,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“EPCII is all about coming up with smart solutions, and I am pleased that with the help of local organisations like Cootharinga North Queensland, we are working to address a shortfall in appropriate accommodation.

“This funding is in addition to more than $15 million that Cootharinga is receiving to provide disability services across North Queensland in this year's budget.”

Mrs O’Rourke said the Palaszczuk Government had invested more than $770,000 towards the project, partnering with Cootharinga North Queensland who contributed the land, valued at around $320,000.

“These types of projects are a wonderful example of how such partnerships can provide accommodation options for people with disability,” she said.

“The move to more independent living will also help families prepare for the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which began rolling out in areas across North Queensland last week.”

Cootharinga North Queensland’s General Manager for Services Brett Edwards said Cootharinga were excited to receive funding from the Queensland Government to enable it to build more accessible accommodation for people with disability in North Queensland.

“Cootharinga will work closely with each resident and their family over the coming few months to help them outline their life goals, and transition successfully into the National Disability Insurance Scheme,” Mr Edwards said.

“This innovative combination of accessible housing and tailored supports delivered by Cootharinga North Queensland has enabled six individuals to move out of their family home for the first time, to build independent living skills, and meaningfully engage and contribute with their community.

“It is also aimed at delivering peace of mind to ageing carers who wish to see their own children live independently with the care and support they need.” 

The first residents moved into the Burdell EPCII-funded accommodation on 6 June.

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

Media Contact:                                  Minister O’Rourke’s office                  3719 7170