Housing solution to give elderly parent-carers certainty

A new $4.1 million innovative housing project at Enoggera will deliver peace of mind to the elderly parents of 10 people with disability.

Minister for Communities and Minister for Disability Services and Seniors Coralee O'Rourke today turned the first sod on the Glenalva Terrace 10-unit complex, describing it as a great relief for elderly parents facing the daily challenges of care.

“This project will be an outstanding example of what the Palaszczuk Government can achieve through partnerships with non-government organisations – in this case Brisbane Housing Company, a leading provider of innovative social and affordable housing in Australia,” Mrs O'Rourke said.

“It is a great concern for me to see elderly parent-carers faced with uncertainty when they can no longer care for an adult son or daughter.

“As our population ages, we can expect the need for independent living solutions for adult sons and daughters to become ever more pressing.

“The transition to independent living shouldn't be a traumatic break in the life of parent-carers or their adult children – that's why we are working with families and partners to make it as smooth as possible.”

Brisbane Housing Company will lead and help fund Glenalva Terrace with assistance from the Palaszczuk Government in the form of a land grant and funding support.

The development is part of the government’s Elderly Parent Carer Innovation Initiative, a program developed to address the shortfall in appropriate accommodation for people with disability who live with elderly parents.

Brisbane Housing Company CEO Stuart Lummis said it was inevitable parent-carers would reach an age where caring for their offspring would become too much.

“This development will provide relief for families via accommodation and necessary support services for their sons or daughters with disability, all in proximity to their parents,” Mr Lummis said.

“Moving into independent living can be challenging and, by incorporating elements such as a common room and barbeque area, the Enoggera development will give residents opportunities to interact and form important social networks and support.”

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said the provision of safe, secure and affordable housing that suits the needs of Queenslanders was a key priority of the Palaszczuk Government.

“Working through Brisbane Housing Company allows us to ensure developments come to fruition that take into account the needs of residents – close to transport, services, and in the communities they love,” Mr de Brenni said.

“This development for people with disability is another way we are helping Queenslanders to stay living in and connected with their communities, while maintaining independence.

“The Glenalva Terrace complex will include design features that meet the Australian Gold Standard Livable Housing Design Guidelines to make units easier to access, to navigate around, and to upgrade as residents’ needs change.”

Member for Ferny Grove Mark Furner said the location of the units and their gold standard design would be a welcome addition to housing options in the local area.

“The design of these new units is all about ensuring the residents can take advantage of the great amenities our local community has to offer,” Mr Furner said.

“Located adjacent to the Enoggera bus and rail interchange, this affordable housing will feature lift service and secure swipe card access, as well as enhanced entry and access points.”

The units are expected to be completed by the end of the year.

ENDS

Media Contact:          Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389