The Territory Labor Government is facilitating the first delivery of fit-for-purpose accessible housing to support Territorians with a disability.
Well established local and national organisations, Carpentaria Disability Services and Life Without Barriers, will be constructing new Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) dwellings on four parcels of land in Darwin's northern suburbs.
The Territory Government has awarded four parcels of land to these organisations to build homes which will house some of our most vulnerable Territorians.
Local jobs will be supported with construction anticipated to commence in the fourth quarter of 2021, with dwellings to be occupied by early 2023.
Specialist Disability Accommodation is a form of purpose-built housing that is designed to enable eligible NDIS participants to receive the support they need to live in the community.
Both Carpentaria Disability Services and Life Without Barriers are registered SDA providers, have a demonstrated track record in the delivery of disability accommodation, and have the capacity and capability to construct accommodation tailored to the need of people living with disability.
The new homes will be of a high quality and designed to complement the surrounding neighbourhood and streetscape. They will be fully accessible and designed to provide a high level of physical supports. All maintenance will be managed by Carpentaria or Life Without Barriers, including landscaping and upkeep of garden areas.
Quotes from Minister for Disabilities, Kate Worden:
"Territorians living with a disability want and deserve access to high quality services and to be able to participate in safe and vibrant communities.
"People with complex disabilities require a range of supports to ensure they can live as independently as possible, this is what the establishment of the new Specialist Disability Accommodation will accomplish.
"Both Carpentaria Disability Services and Life Without Barriers will construct homes for our most vulnerable Territorians. An oasis for people to be safe, healthy and happy. As a government we will continue to work with community organisations which benefit our Territory and provide positive outcomes for Territorians, while also creating local jobs in the process."
Quotes from Carpentaria Disability Services Chief Executive Officer, Annie Rily:
"We are pleased to be working in partnership with the Northern Territory Government to facilitate the development and availability of specialist housing for people with disability.
"This is an excellent initiative that ensures that people in the NT have access to the range of specialist supports available in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
"The NT has had limited housing options for people with complex disabilities and this initiative provides the opportunity to live in a purpose-built home, with the required supports in place for people to live as independently as they can.
"Carpentaria has a proud history of delivering specialist services and supports for people with disability and are proud to work collaboratively to increase the housing options for people with complex disabilities."
Quotes from Life Without Barriers, Chief Executive Claire Robbs:
"Life Without Barriers is delighted to have been awarded the opportunity to design and build accessible housing in partnership with Territorians with disability. Access to a home that responds to a person's accessibility requirements can enhance their quality of life and also improve employment opportunities and the way people choose to engage as members of their community.
"Through our Strategy 2025, Life Without Barriers is committed to invigorating the choices people with disability have in relation to where they choose to live and how they choose to live their lives. This grant by the Territory government is a real demonstration of its commitment to recognising people with disability and how important it is that greater housing and life choices are made available for all members of our community.
"Life Without Barriers is committed to long term, sustainable and accessible housing for people with disability and will expand on the existing two projected Supported Independent Living facilities in the Northern Territory, by adding a further dwelling in Alice Springs."
