The Mapoon community’s older members will soon benefit from a new Aged Care Respite Centre, with construction now underway.
Local Government Minister and Ministerial Champion for Mapoon Stirling Hinchliffe today visited the site of the new centre, to which the Palaszczuk Government is contributing $605,000 through the job-creating Works for Queensland program.
"Works for Queensland will fund stage one which will include a day respite centre, disabled shower and toilet, a kitchen and an office," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"This facility has been identified by the Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council as a solution to a range of different social and economic issues in the community.
"I am pleased that Works for Queensland will not only support the council in delivering this aged care centre for of the community but that it will also create or support up to 14 local jobs."
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the new Respite Centre would deliver improved care and services for aged residents in Mapoon.
"This Respite Centre is another sign of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to the Cape and the people who live there," Ms Lui said.
"There’s a real need for a dedicated local respite service and that’s what we’re going to deliver in partnership with Council.
"I look forward to the completion of this new centre because it will mean better care and more independence for Mapoon’s elderly residents."
The full budget for stage one is $900,000 and the Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council has secured additional funding from Western Cape Communities Trust.
Mayor of Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council Aileen Addo said stage one will provide respite care for people living in crowded conditions.
Stage two will offer independent living and stage three will provide high care.
"The first stage of the aged care facility is expected to be complete by mid-2019, ensuring an even greater level of support is offered to older members of our community," Mayor Addo said.
"The Works for Queensland funding will not onlyincrease livability here, importantly, it will also create local jobs during construction, providing an economic boost.
"It is a wonderful example of what can be achieved for the community when our two levels of government work together."
Mapoon Aboriginal Shire has received a total $2.2 million from the Works for Queensland program, with council reporting more than 51 jobs have been created or supported so far.
The Queensland Government’s $600 million Works for Queensland program has supported or created more than 12,400 jobs in regional towns and cities.
