NDIA HQ construction underway in Geelong
Construction has commenced on the new National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) headquarters in Geelong.
Minister for Social Services, Christian Porter, who today turned the ‘first sod’ on the site, said the signing of an Agreement for Lease on the new building reflected the Australian Government’s commitment to the Geelong region.
“The construction of this state-of-the-art, fully-accessible NDIA national office on Malop Street will create hundreds of local jobs and $120 million worth of investment,” Minister Porter said.
“The purpose-built office will house 560 staff from the NDIA – the Agency responsible for delivering the $22 billion National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – as well as other Commonwealth departments.
“The NDIS is already supporting almost 100,000 people and the staff who occupy this new headquarters will be playing a key role in supporting the 460,000 people that will be part of the Scheme by 2020.
“With NDIA national office staff currently split across several locations in Geelong, the new building will increase the efficiency of head office operations and make it easier for NDIS participants to access information and support.”
Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services, Jane Prentice, said the new building incorporated the redevelopment of the heritage listed Carlton Hotel, including the retention and renovation of the facade.
“The six-level building will be a market leader in accessible design and energy efficiency, with a 6 Star Greenstar and 5 Star NABERS (National Australian Built Environmental Rating System) rating. NABERS is a Commonwealth Government initiative to measure and compare the environmental performance of Australia buildings and tenancies,” Minister Prentice said.
“The NDIA will be one of the first Commonwealth agencies to focus on accessibility and collaboration in designing an open-plan approach to accommodation to support a range of work and learning activities for people of varying abilities.”
Member for Corangamite, Sarah Henderson, said the NDIA’s proximity to the Transport Accident Commission, WorkSafe and Deakin University would add to the region’s insurance, education and research precinct, cementing Geelong’s position as a centre of excellence for disability and personal injury insurance.
“The NDIA is working with the City of Greater Geelong to make access routes to the building and connections to transport and services more accessible,” Ms Henderson said.
Construction is expected to be completed in late 2018.