Older people, people with a disability, their families and carers living in Western Sydney will benefit from the Iemma Government’s allocation of an estimated $460.9 million in 2008/09 to fund support services and programs.
NSW Minister for Ageing and Disability Services, Kristina Keneally, today said the massive investment reflects Labor’s spending and policy priorities outlined by the Premier in Stronger Together, and recently endorsed by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
"This budget demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to ensuring Western Sydney has specialist and mainstream services to respond to the needs of people with a disability, older people and their carers," Ms Keneally said.
"An estimated $349.9 million will be spent on disability services in Western Sydney and a further $111 million will be spent on Home and Community Care services (HACC) in the region, to assist frail older people and people with a disability to live independently in the community."
Ms Keneally outlined some of the key areas of expenditure for Western Sydney disability and ageing services in 2008/09.
"At Summer Hill, the new $7.71 million Grosvenor Centre will provide modern accommodation for 20 people with a disability in two specially designed 10 bed houses, and 10 respite places in two five bed houses for people with complex health care needs," Ms Keneally said.
"The new centre, which replaces an old building on the site, and which complements the 10-bed respite facility opened early in 2007 on the site of the former Mannix Centre at Liverpool, is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
"New accommodation for the residents of the Lachlan Centre, on the grounds of the Macquarie Hospital in North Ryde, will be provided in a small cluster of homes on site.
"The Lachlan Centre has been providing support for people with a disability for many years. Currently 49 people live at the centre, and their living environment will be significantly improved when the new centre opens in mid 2010.
"And a $1.24 million autism-specific child-care centre is to be built in Western Sydney as part of a $6 million package to give children with autism the best possible start in life.
"The child care centre, to be operated by AEIOU, will be based on centres operating in Queensland that have had proven results in helping children with autism to transition into mainstream schools."
Ms Keneally said that Iemma Government will also deliver for Western Sydney:
• $14.9 million for supported accommodation;
• $4.8 million for major capital projects;
• $2.4 million to prevent younger people entering nursing homes;
• $1.8 million to provide an extra 23 attendant care places;
• $1.7 million for respite services; and
• $1.0 million for therapy services.
"This budget strengthens the NSW Government’s ability to build better service systems which support people with a disability, older people and their carers," Ms Keneally said.