NON-GOVERNMENT SECTOR TO LEAD REDEVELOPMENT

Minister for Disability Services John Ajaka today announced that the NSW Government is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from non-government organisations to build and operate disability housing to replace the remaining large residential centres in the Hunter region.

The EOI is seeking privately financed proposals from capable organisations to build new, more homelike accommodation for 390 people currently living in the large residential centres.

Mr Ajaka said that closing these institutions will help ensure that people with disability can live life their way and fully participate in the community.

“Through this redevelopment, people with disability have the opportunity to choose their place of residence, choose the people they live with, be closer to their families and integrate more with the community,” Mr Ajaka said.

“The redevelopment of large, institutionalised accommodation in the Hunter region fulfils the Government’s promise to provide everyone in the Hunter Residences with new homes, in the location of their choice.”

The NSW Government will provide a funding subsidy to successful tenderers for up to three years, as an interim to the proposed NDIS User Cost of Capital which will encourage the construction of new disability housing in the future.

The NSW Government has allocated $58 million towards the purchase of potential sites following discussions with residents and other stakeholders.

EOI submissions open on Tuesday 20 October and close at 2pm, 17 November 2015.