In a major boost for inclusive housing in regional Queensland, Multicap, a leading disability service provider and part of the Vertaview Group, officially opened purpose-built fully accessible housing for up to six people with disability in Rockhampton today, providing long term comfortable and independent living for people with complex and high-needs disability.
These new homes strengthen Multicap’s growing presence in the region and build on Multicap’s established track record in delivering high quality disability housing in Rockhampton, following the completion of two fully accessible homes at Jardine Street in 2024.
Interim Vertaview Group Executive of Disability, Simon Wardale said today how proud the Vertaview Group is to be strengthening inclusive communities in regional Queensland by giving people with disability a choice in where and how they live.
“Every home we deliver starts with the needs of the people we support.
“These new fully accessible houses offer a living environment where individuals can thrive, feel safe, and enjoy the dignity of a place that truly feels like home,” Mr Wardale said.
Approximately 7.5% of Rockhampton’s population reported needing daily assistance due to severe or profound disability in the 2021 census and while Queensland has seen some of the highest increases in NDIS participants with Supported Disability Accommodation funding, supply has not kept up with demand.
Vertaview Group CEO Damian Bell said Multicap has supported people with disability in Rockhampton for more than 25 years and is committed to continued investment in regional Queensland to address shortfalls.
“This development reflects exactly why the Vertaview Group exists; to bring together organisations that share a deep commitment to creating meaningful, lasting impact and reinforce the importance of inclusive, community driven housing solutions.
“We’re proud to stand alongside Multicap as they continue to invest in high quality support and environments where people can truly thrive,” Mr Bell said.
This latest development was supported through a $2.5 million grant received from the Queensland Government, in partnership with participating Mineral Resources industry parties, the Queensland Resources Council and its members.
Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland said the Queensland Government was proud to invest in the construction of accessible housing in the local community.
“The Queensland Government is passionate about securing a strong future for our regions and making sure locals can find jobs, enjoy life and have the independence they need to thrive,” Ms Kirkland said.
“Additional accessible housing in Rockhampton benefits the broader community by creating greater inclusivity and supporting local economic growth and new jobs within the region.”
Building Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) typically costs between 20% – 45% more than a standard residential home depending on the category of SDA and complying with SDA standards alone adds approximately $90,000 to the cost of a standard residential house build and Multicap is especially appreciative for the Queensland Government and resource industry’s support in helping to deliver this much needed regional disability accommodation project.
As well as providing additional housing for the region, these homes provided employment for up to 30 people during the construction phase and will also provide ongoing employment opportunities for up to 12 new Disability Support Workers in the region.
Multicap is a leading disability services provider with more than 60 years’ experience providing high quality, evidence based, person centred support to people with high and complex needs including supported independent living, short term respite accommodation, community programs and specialist disability housing across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
