Disability care plans revealed

CITY of Greater Geelong planning officers are considering an influx of applications for disability care units in response to growing need for supported housing.

The city has four separate proposals for nine community care units across the city on public exhibition: a four-villa development at Ontario Avenue, Corio; a two-unit site at Patrick Street, Whittington; two double-storey flats at Rose Avenue, Norlane; and one unit at Wellwood Avenue, Norlane.

The plans intend to increase housing diversity within their neighbourhoods while supporting future residents living with a disability.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme-supported projects are to empower people with impairments or support needs by supporting their independence and integration in the wider community.

Specialist Disability Accomodation (SDA) provider InPlace living is applying to build the Whittington and Norlane projects that is said would provide more opportunities for people living with disabilities in the Geelong region.

“With a growing need for this type of housing, the proposed development will seek to empower future tenants and provide them with greater levels of housing control, choice and independence,” a planning report stated.

Care Housing Australia is behind the Corio proposal, which includes four two-bedroom villas on the property and an on-site overnight assistance area for staff that would not be lived in.

“The project is to be used as a community residence but has been designed to present as individual units to allow the residents to live with dignity and independence and feel like they are living within their own home and not within an institutional setting,” the city’s planning report stated.

The reports are on display for public comment until at least July 8.