Works get underway on brand new Rockhampton disability housing on Jardine St

Work is officially underway on vital new independent living units for locals with disabilities, with works expected to be complete in time for residents to celebrate Christmas in their new homes.

Multicap CEO Joanne Jessop, Keppel MP Brittany Lauga and Multicap chair Angela Tillmans.

People in the region living with disabilities could have access to new independent living housing by the end of the year with work on a new development getting underway.

Earth moving works began this week for a new facility that will allow people with disabilities to live independently.

Local construction firm BT Builders is the company building the project.

The project will include two new buildings on Jardine Street in West Rockhampton which will provide long-term independent living opportunities for four people with a disability who have high and complex needs.

The two new, fully accessible houses will include accommodation for staff and will be purpose-built to provide comfortable and supportive living environments to allow residents to live comfortably with increased independence.

Multicap CEO Joanne Jessop, Keppel MP Brittany Lauga and Multicap chair Angela Tillmans.

Each of the bedrooms will have an ensuite, with each unit also having a deck so clients can benefit from the breezes and take in scenic views.

The development has been years in the making with Multicap, the organisation behind the project, securing funding through the former Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund in 2020.

The new facility will be adjacent to Multicap’s existing facility.

Multicap CEO Joanne Jessop said independent housing for people with disabilities was vital for communities.

“As we know there is an enormous shortage of housing across our country at the moment, we’ve got people who didn’t expect to be homeless, suddenly homeless,” she said.

“There’s such a huge need for people to live in good accommodation, and accommodation where they feel safe and where they can actually be independent rather than being reliant on other people.

“We know these will be booked out and filled before we can finish them and then we’re hoping to move onto the next stage and build some more.”

Robert and Helena Hutchinson speak with Multicap CEO Joanne Jessop about the new housing.

Robert and Helena Hutchinson’s daughter Erin, who is 35, has down syndrome and autism and they are hoping to get her into one of the new units.

Robert said they were currently looking to start the transition phase, after putting the move on hold due to Covid.

Helena said Erin had complex issues that required around-the-clock care.

They said while they felt a bit nervous about the change, they were confident the new development would cater for all of Erin’s needs.

“Our health is deteriorating and because she has many needs we know we have to transition her into her own home,” she said.

“But we have to find a place that fits her needs, we’ve got the support packages - we just need to find the right fit.

“I think (this development) is just the kind of house we’re looking at.”