AEIOU Foundation: New Townsville autism centre still an empty lot

Politicians and executives were keen for a photo op, but three months on the site of a new autism centre for Townsville kids is still an empty lot.

Politicians and executives were keen for a photo opportunity with golden shovels in hand, but three months on the site of a new autism centre for Townsville kids is still an empty lot.

The AEIOU Foundation is building a new centre for children with autism, in the Townsville suburb of Idalia, because the centre in Kirwan is too old and small.

The foundation runs early-intervention autism centres, for two to six-year-olds, with 11 centres in the ACT, Queensland and South Australia.

On July 12 the federal Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones, Mundingburra MP Les Walker, and AEIOU Foundation chairwoman as well as the foundation chief executive were just four of about 15 people who gathered for the sod turning.

Herbert MP Phil Thompson pushed the new federal Labor government to fund the centre when the government changed last year. Mr Thompson had been booked for the sod-turning, but was unable to attend, however representatives of his office were there as well.

An artist's impression of the new AEIOU Foundation for Children with Autism building at Idalia, Townsville.

Hutchinson Builders have built 11 projects with AEIOU and have the contract for the Idalia building.

Team leader Mitch Grimmer said since the sod turning the builder had been finalising the design and authority approvals to obtain the building approvals.

Hutchies – as they are now called – had been acquiring “several long lead time items” such as fabricated frames and trusses and would use local subcontractors and suppliers for the project, Mr Grimmer said.

The Townsville Bulletin understands architects Buchan completed their work months ago.

“We’re planning to be on site in the next few weeks,” Mr Grimmer said.

AEIOU Foundation acting chief executive, Simon Smith, said since the sod turning the foundation had been refining the design, obtaining approvals and co-ordinating with the site owner and builder on their schedules of work.

“These processes can be seen as time consuming, but we are committed to ensuring the centre is built to the highest standards and meets the needs of the Townsville community,” he said.

AEIOU Foundation chief executive Alan Smith, foundation chair Susan Rix, Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones and Mundingburra MP Les Walker at the sod turning. Picture: Evan Morgan

The sod was turned in July because it was “an opportune time for us and our stakeholders to come together and celebrate the start of this exciting project”, Mr Smith said.

The new centre was still on track for completion in mid-2024 as planned, he said.

“Despite construction costs doubling in recent years, we are incredibly grateful to our philanthropic partners, in addition to state and federal funding, for making this project happen,” Mr Smith said.

“After a long journey, we will be thrilled to see construction begin on this important project.”

The new centre will cater for 30 children, whereas the old centre could only have 20.

Autism is the primary disability of more than a third of Australia’s NDIS participants.

Originally published as AEIOU Foundation: New Townsville autism centre still an empty lot