Milestone for new Ipswich Disability Service complex
Published Friday, 13 June, 2008 at 06:00 AM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Construction of a new $3.5 million disability services centre in Ipswich is nearing completion, with fit-out of the state-of-the-art facility to start next month.
Disability Services Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the new centre at 30 Thorn Street would unite four Disability Services Queensland offices under the one roof.
“The new Ipswich Disability Services Centre will improve the coordination and delivery of services for people with a disability, their families and carers living in the wider Ipswich area,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“It will do this by bringing together more than 170 operational and service delivery staff, with capacity for a further 50, to work side-by-side for the first time.
“With construction now in its final stages, DSQ staff are expected to relocate into the centre by the end of the year which is great news for staff and clients alike.”
Member for Ipswich and Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Services Rachel Nolan said DSQ’s new regional headquarters formed part of the privately-developed George Thorn Centre – a 3500sqm four-level, purpose-built facility bounded by Thorn, Limestone and Brisbane Streets.
“Named in honour of Ipswich pioneer George Thorn, the new building is attracting a great deal of local interest – and for good reason,” Ms Nolan said.
“Not only will the new building be state-of-the-art in relation to disability access, power and water efficiency, but developers are also aiming to receive a five-star Green rating from Ipswich City Council once the centre is completed.”
Ms Nolan said DSQ’s Services Centre would occupy most of the new building, taking up three of the four levels, with some commercial space and car parking on the ground level.
“The services centre itself will feature a passenger drop-off area to handle maxi-cabs and disability vehicles, off-street parking for clients, a large lift to cater for electric wheelchairs, and carers and therapy rooms,” she said.
“It will enhance services provided to local children and adults with a disability, their families and carers, particularly accommodation support, community support and respite support.
"Under the Bligh Government, services for people with a disability have grown exponentially – and I am really pleased we’re about to open this new, world-class home for disability services right here in Ipswich."
While progress on the new services centre is on track, another local DSQ facility reaches a milestone.
The new Adult Respite Centre at 98 Thorn Street, Ipswich, has its first intake of overnight clients.
“Both these new centres reflect the Bligh Government’s continuing investment in infrastructure and they’re a significant boost in the delivery of quality disability services in the region,” Ms Nolan said.
Media Contacts: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280, Rachel Nolan’s electorate office 3202 3452
Disability Services Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the new centre at 30 Thorn Street would unite four Disability Services Queensland offices under the one roof.
“The new Ipswich Disability Services Centre will improve the coordination and delivery of services for people with a disability, their families and carers living in the wider Ipswich area,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“It will do this by bringing together more than 170 operational and service delivery staff, with capacity for a further 50, to work side-by-side for the first time.
“With construction now in its final stages, DSQ staff are expected to relocate into the centre by the end of the year which is great news for staff and clients alike.”
Member for Ipswich and Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Services Rachel Nolan said DSQ’s new regional headquarters formed part of the privately-developed George Thorn Centre – a 3500sqm four-level, purpose-built facility bounded by Thorn, Limestone and Brisbane Streets.
“Named in honour of Ipswich pioneer George Thorn, the new building is attracting a great deal of local interest – and for good reason,” Ms Nolan said.
“Not only will the new building be state-of-the-art in relation to disability access, power and water efficiency, but developers are also aiming to receive a five-star Green rating from Ipswich City Council once the centre is completed.”
Ms Nolan said DSQ’s Services Centre would occupy most of the new building, taking up three of the four levels, with some commercial space and car parking on the ground level.
“The services centre itself will feature a passenger drop-off area to handle maxi-cabs and disability vehicles, off-street parking for clients, a large lift to cater for electric wheelchairs, and carers and therapy rooms,” she said.
“It will enhance services provided to local children and adults with a disability, their families and carers, particularly accommodation support, community support and respite support.
"Under the Bligh Government, services for people with a disability have grown exponentially – and I am really pleased we’re about to open this new, world-class home for disability services right here in Ipswich."
While progress on the new services centre is on track, another local DSQ facility reaches a milestone.
The new Adult Respite Centre at 98 Thorn Street, Ipswich, has its first intake of overnight clients.
“Both these new centres reflect the Bligh Government’s continuing investment in infrastructure and they’re a significant boost in the delivery of quality disability services in the region,” Ms Nolan said.
Media Contacts: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280, Rachel Nolan’s electorate office 3202 3452