Lawn mowing service continues for people in need

Long summer days in the north mean long, fast growing grass which can quickly become unmanageable – but there is good news for seniors and people with a disability, with the Palaszczuk Government extending a trial of Home Assist Secure’s mowing service into 2017.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said the reintroduction of lawn mowing services for Home Assist Secure (HAS) clients had proven to be a valued service since the trial was announced in May 2016.

“Helping people stay in their own homes is important to people’s wellbeing, and means they can stay connected to friends, neighbours and their community,” Minister de Brenni said.

“Yard maintenance can be a real struggle for people who are older or who have a disability, but we all want to live in a home that feels like home, that we can be proud of.

“In May, we announced the trial lawn mowing service across eight areas of the state including: Cairns, the Tablelands, Townsville, Charters Towers, Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone and Bundaberg.

“The mowing service means that people who are struggling to maintain their homes, now have continued access to lawn mowing services, at a subsidised cost.”

Mr de Brenni said that there had been a resounding response since mowing services were reintroduced in June.

“There were a lot of cruel cuts made by the Newman-Nicholls government and slashing mowing for pensioners was right up there.

“After advocacy from North Queensland MPs, in particular the Member for Dalrymple Shane Knuth, we reintroduced the service for high rainfall areas.

“From the 1 June to the end of September Home Assist Secure provided 250 lawn mowing services, which definitely shows the need is there.”

Mr de Brenni said that the extension of the trial would allow his Department to examine a permanent model for providing mowing services into the future.

“Mowing will continue to be available under Home Assist Secure in these areas until 30 June 2017.

“With summer now in full swing, it’s expected the service will be even more popular as the grass grows faster.

“HAS services also provide free information, referrals and subsidised assistance for minor home maintenance, repairs and modifications such as grab rails.”

[ENDS] 15 December 2016

Media contact: Tristan Douglas 0447 164 197