The doors have now opened on an innovative $4.1 million disability accommodation project in Brisbane that will support local people with disability and provide peace of mind for their elderly parent carers.
Disability Services Minister Coralee O’Rourke today (19 March) announced the official opening the 10-unit complex at Glenalva Terrace, Enoggera.
“I am delighted the Palaszczuk Government has donated the land and provided $750,000 for this wonderful project that will provide aging parent carers with more certainty about their sons’ and daughters’ long-term futures,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“This fully accessible development provides a new place to call home for ten people with disability, and includes communal areas, a barbeque, bicycle parking and a designated car space for each apartment.
“It also provides elderly parent carers with much-needed peace of mind for the ongoing care for their adult son or daughter, when they are no longer able to care for them.
“We know there is a high demand for innovative and accessible living solutions, which is only increasing as we get closer to the full rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme on 30 June 2019.
“I commend our non-government partner BHC Creating Liveable Communities for building this wonderful new facility and improving the lives of people with disability.”
BHC Creating Liveable Communities developed and helped fund the Glenalva Terrace complex.
BHC Creating Liveable Communities CEO Stuart Lummis said it was inevitable that parent carers would reach an age where alternative, independent living solutions were needed for their adult children.
“This development has provided huge relief for these families,” Mr Lummis said.
“The complex contains purpose-built accommodation and necessary support services for adults living with a disability, all in proximity to tenants’ parents,” Mr Lummis said.
“Moving into independent living for the first time can be challenging and, by incorporating elements such as a common room and barbeque area, the Enoggera development provides residents with opportunities to interact and form important social and support networks.”
Rosemary Jackson – whose son Joe is one of the development’s first tenants – said living independently had turned his life around.
“I was very worried about Joe for a long time,” Mrs Jackson said.
“As he grew older and the reality of missing out on the life he wanted hit home, he withdrew and was diagnosed with depression.
“Now his self-esteem has improved greatly and he’s looking after himself like never before. I sleep better at night because I know he is safe here.”
Member for Ferny Grove Mark Furner who represented Minister O’Rourke at the opening said the complex was a welcome addition to housing options in the local area and designed in accordance with Australian Gold Standard Livable Housing Design Guidelines.
“Since this project was first announced the focus has been on ensuring the residents can take advantage of the great amenities our local community has to offer,” Mr Furner said.
“That’s why the Palaszczuk Government provided this site adjacent to the Enoggera bus and rail interchange.
“The Project has also been designed with residents in mind and features lift service and secure swipe card access, as well as enhanced entry and access points.”
