New disability accommodation for northern Tasmania

A new $1.45 million accommodation project is providing Launceston residents with disability with more long-term accommodation options.

Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Jan McLucas, today officially opened the eight new independent living units at St Michaels Association’s Newstead campus.

The $1.45 million unit project is part of the Australian Government’s Social Housing Initiative.

The units have been built to a 6-star environmental rating and are a mix of one and two bedroom facilities that will house up to 13 residents.

The accommodation is located alongside other support services, such as a group home, where residents can access support out of hours if needed.

“These units will help people with disability live independently,” Senator McLucas said.

“St Michaels has a proud history of helping people with disability across Tasmania. I thank them for their ongoing commitment and congratulate them on this latest project.”

Since its foundation 40 years ago, St Michaels has been providing accommodation to children with disability attending the St Michaels Special School.

“St Michaels offers important support and services including accommodation, education and community outreach that is transforming the lives of local people in the Launceston and surrounding area” said the Member for Bass, Geoff Lyons.

“It is pleasing to these eight additional units completed and I look forward to local tenants moving in shortly.”

The Australian Government is committed ensuring that people with disability are able to fulfil their potential.

The Government is establishing a new $60 million capital fund to build innovative, community-based supported accommodation places for people with disability.

For the first time, the Government will be giving community organisations the opportunity to apply for direct capital funding from the Federal Government for up to 150 supported accommodation places.

“These extra accommodation places will make a real difference to the lives of people with disability, their families and carers,” Senator McLucas said.

Successful projects will adhere to best practice service standards with accommodation places to be completed by 2014.

This funding is on top of the more than $6 billion provided to the States and Territories over five years from 2009 through the National Disability Agreement.

The Government also provided $100 million in capital funds in May 2008 for the States and Territories to build more than 300 supported accommodation places for people with a severe disability being looked after by ageing carers.