THE ground has been broken on $1.3 million disability housing project at Alexandra Hills.
It is set to feature state of the art technologies, including a robot, to help residents live independently.
Turning the first sod, Disability Services Minister Coralee O’Rourke said the two three-bedroom duplexes, built as part of the Elderly Parent Care Innovation Initiative, would accommodate five local people with disabilities and a live-in carer.
“Once built, these two homes will incorporate innovative technologies including automated controls for lighting and blinds, remote video monitoring and room temperature and movement sensors, as well as carer calling devices,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“An automated NAO (humanoid) robot will also be moving in and will be programmed to provide support with daily routines, to help residents live as independently as possible.
“Our government has invested more than $840,000, and Multicap has contributed more than $523,000 to deliver this new and improved supported accommodation facility, which is expected to be completed in May next year.”
NAO robots have been used as education aids and to teach autistic children, some of whom have found the childlike robots easier to relate to than human beings
Mrs O’Rourke said as part of the EPCII, the purpose built homes would help to address the shortfall in accommodation for people with disability who lived with ageing parents.
“Investing in these types of projects goes a long way towards giving older parent carers more certainty about the long-term care options for their son or daughter with disability,” she said.
“Finding appropriate housing can be a real issue for people with disability, which is why we are proud to work with community organisations like Multicap to deliver suitable and supported options.”
Capalaba MP Don Brown said the project was great value for the community.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to creating jobs in Queensland and it’s great that this project will bring jobs to our local area,’’ he said.
Multicap chief executive Joanne Jessop said it was a concern for elderly parents and carers when they could no longer care for their adult sons or daughters with disability.
“This excellent Queensland government initiative provides them with the choice and reassurance they are seeking,’’ Ms Jessop said.
