New homes for local people with disability in Western Sydney

The Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas and Member for Parramatta, Julie Owens today turned the first sod for an apartment complex in Western Sydney that will deliver five new homes for people with disability.

Evolve Housing has received more than $2 million from the Federal Labor Government’s Supported Accommodation Innovation Fund to build ‘Grandview’ in Parramatta, in partnership with Northcott Disability Services.

Due for completion in late 2013, ‘Grandview’ will comprise a two-bedroom unit for two people to share, and three one-bedroom units suitable for single people or couples. The complex will also include student rental accommodation on the lower ground floor.

Marking the start of construction at the Parramatta site today, Senator McLucas said the Supported Accommodation Innovation Fund is about encouraging innovation and driving change in the way supported accommodation services are provided.

“All people with disability should be able to make choices about where they live,” Senator McLucas said.

“The Australian Government wants to see people with disability have access to a range of supported accommodation models that will provide the support they need to participate as valued members of their communities.

“I know that many people with disability are crying out for more accommodation options. Likewise ageing carers often face uncertainty about what will happen to their children when they are no longer able to care for them.

“A project like Grandview demonstrates one way the Federal Labor Government is addressing the shortfall in supported accommodation places and respite for people with disability and their families and carers.

Ms Owens said the development was a great improvement for local people with disability and an important step in creating a more inclusive and accessible community.

“This is great news for Parramatta,” Ms Owens said.

“This project is not just about providing a roof over one’s head, it is helping to create a community that everyone can be a part of.

“Projects like Grandview ensure that people with disability can live safely and receive the support they need while having the opportunity to participate more fully in the community.

“It will also give people with disability greater choice and control over how and where they choose to live and have services provided to them.

Features at Grandview will include a lift service, assistive technology and an accessible, shared covered backyard where people can socialise.

“Finding a supportive and safe place to live in their local area will not only give people with disability peace of mind, it will also let them stay in touch with their local community,” Ms Owens said.

Senator McLucas said the project in Parramatta is a great model as we look towards the introduction of a National Disability Insurance Scheme.

“The National Disability Insurance Scheme will give people with disability, their families and carers that flexibility and choice to fund the solution that suits them,” Senator McLucas said.

“It will give certainty to families and many ageing carers who worry about what will happen to their children when they are no longer able to care for and would include expanding supported accommodation options available to families.”

The Federal Labor Government’s $60 million Supported Accommodation Innovation Fund will deliver more than 150 new supported accommodation and respite places across the country.

All new homes built under the Supported Accommodation Innovation Fund must meet the Platinum performance rating of the new Livable Housing Design Guidelines, the highest rating achievable.