Toowoomba gets two new disabled access homes as demand grows
CONSTRUCTION has begun on two new disability homes in Middle Ridge, as demand for accessible housing continues to grow in Toowoomba.
Toowoomba
Don't miss out on the headlines from Toowoomba. Followed categories will be added to My News.
CONSTRUCTION has begun on two new disability homes in Middle Ridge, as demand for accessible housing continues to grow in Toowoomba.
Facilitated by Specialist Disability Accommodation Queensland and Synergis Fund on behalf of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the homes are due to be completed by early October.
"There is significant demand for these in Queensland and in particular regional areas like Toowoomba," SDA Qld joint managing director Peter Marles said.
"Part of the ethos of NDIS is to integrate disabled people into the community and remove the stigma of institutionalisation that's been manifested over many years."
Queensland has a shortfall of 1716 suitable new homes and regional areas in particular are struggling, according to Mr Marles.
"We're calling on the government to keep the momentum going in respect to their approvals, because it has had a marked effect in improving the outcomes for disabled people," Mr Marles said.
"All levels of government have a role to play in this, particularly Federal Government with their funding.
"However the state and local governments need to streamline their processes to create a much more cohesive approach to the approval process and get these home online quicker."
One of the homes will have three bedrooms vacant for tenants with high-physical support needs.
The house will be fitted with the latest technology; the doorways and halls will be widened for wheelchair access, the kitchen will have adjustable height benches and the roof structure will be built to accommodate a hoist to help lift residents.
"The response has been wonderful, the demand is out stripping supply and that is why we are contemplating doing more in Toowoomba and the surrounding area," Mr Marles said.
Tenants won't own the homes but will instead pay a reduced weekly rent as long-term tenants.
Originally published as Toowoomba gets two new disabled access homes as demand grows