New homes for young people with disability on the Gold Coast
Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Brendan O’Connor and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Jan McLucas today welcomed the opening of seven new federally funded apartments for young people with disability in Coomera.
The apartments were built with the support of $2.64 million from the Gillard Government’s Social Housing Initiative which is designed to assist low income Australians who are homeless or struggling in the private rental market.
“Finding a supportive and safe place to live in the local area not only gives you peace of mind, it is also lets you stay in touch with your local community,” Senator McLucas said today at the Opening Beach Party hosted by Youngcare on the Gold Coast.
“This new development on the Esplanade in Coomera is giving young people with disability a place to call their own.
“These young people would otherwise be living in a nursing home or other inappropriate accommodation so these apartments let them live independently while still maintaining links to their community.
“It is not just about bricks and mortar; developments like this one are about helping create a community that everyone can be a part of.”
The development consists of seven one-bedroom apartments and incorporates six star energy ratings. All apartments have universal design features and are Class C adaptable which means they are easily modified for tenants with disability.
Tenants will also receive shared support 24 hours per day, seven days per week giving them the right support and care.
“I would like to thank Uniting Church Property Trust of Queensland, Wesley Mission and Youngcare for their work in bringing this project to fruition and management of the facility into the future,” Senator McLucas said.
The Australian Government’s $5.6 billion investment under the Social Housing Initiative represents the single largest investment in social housing ever undertaken by an Australian Government.
“We know that Australia is in the midst of a housing shortage and this Government is working tirelessly to provide affordable housing for Australia’s most vulnerable people,” Mr O’Connor said.
“I am proud that the Gillard Government has been able to build homes where these young people can live safely, be supported and keep their independence.
“Under the Social Housing Initiative, around 19,600 homes are being constructed across the nation – close to 17,500 of these have already been completed.
“In Queensland, we have delivered more than 3,400 homes with more to come and repairs and maintenance have now been completed to over 27,400 homes across the State.”
The Gillard Government recently announced 27 new projects as part of the $60 million Supported Accommodation Innovation Fund which will deliver more than 150 supported accommodation places across the country.
The Fund builds on the Australian Government’s $100 million capital injection in 2008 to build more than 300 supported accommodation places, which are on track to be delivered this year.
This in addition to $7.6 billion being provided to state and territory governments through the National Disability Agreement to deliver increased and improved specialist disability services.