Not-for-profit organisation Youngcare has partnered with Moreton Bay Regional Council and the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane to build an accessible, mixed-use housing development for young people with high physical-care needs in the state’s fastest-growing suburb of North Lakes.
The partnership comes at a critical time, coinciding with accessible accommodation opportunities triggered by the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and SDA reforms in July this year, and the outstanding need for accessible housing in the Moreton Bay Region.
Youngcare Chief Executive Officer Anthony Ryan said the development would allow more young Queenslanders with high-care needs to live the young lives they deserve as valued members of a wider, integrated community.
“Currently, there are around 2,500 young Queenslanders with high-care needs living in institutionalised housing like aged care and hospital rooms, with more than 200 of them living in the Moreton Bay Region,” he said.
“With the support of the Moreton Bay Regional Council and Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane, we can change the future for some of these young people, and provide them with the dignity and choice they deserve through the construction of housing to suit their needs.”
Upon completion in late 2019, the integrated development will be fully equipped with state-of-the-art high-care technology and equipment, featuring onsite and around-the-clock care, catering to residents’ individual needs.
Mayor for Moreton Bay Regional Council Allan Sutherland said the Council was proud to partner with Youngcare and the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane to work as a community towards greater inclusivity through accessible infrastructure.
“More than 160,000 young Australians call Moreton Bay home, and it’s important not one of them is left behind. This partnership will ensure young people in our community with high care needs can live with greater independence in accommodation best-suited for them,” Mayor Sutherland said.
“The Astley Parade site is the perfect location for Youngcare’s newest project with great access to local shops, amenities, medical centres and facilities, and public transport services.”
Councillor for Division 4 Julie Greer congratulated Youngcare on its efforts to support young Australians.
“Youngcare has done a brilliant job helping to shape the lives of many young Australians, and I’m proud that we’ve been able to work together with Anthony and his team to bring this development to North Lakes,” Cr Greer said.
“As a community we’re working towards greater inclusivity through accessible infrastructure, services and most recently, the adoption of our Disability Access and Inclusion Plan, and Youngcare’s announcement builds on that progress,”
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has taken a development lease for the Astley Parade site with the Moreton Bay Regional Council. The Archdiocese, which will fund the design and construction, will purchase the land which will then be leased to Youngcare.
Assistant Director of Allied Health Leanne Carroll said Metro North Hospital and Health Services has also been working alongside Youngcare to identify people aged 18–65 who are in need of accessible housing and full-time care.
“There is a significant demand for supported housing in the region, and we are working with Youngcare to identify the development’s first residents,” she said.
Youngcare invites those aged 18–65 with high physical care needs to express their interest by calling the Youngcare Connect Team on 1800 844 727.
