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Mackay Residents Have Say on Creating Inclusive Queensland
Information provided by Queensland Disability News - Published: 2010-08-16
Residents of the Mackay community will be putting forward ideas and opinions on the government’s draft 10 Year Plan for Supporting Queenslanders with a Disability this morning.
Queensland Disability Services Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk will officially open the region’s Shared Visions forum at North Mackay, with around 80 people expected to attend and provide feedback on the draft plan.
“The draft 10 Year Plan for Supporting Queenslanders with a Disability aims to create a truly inclusive Queensland where people living with a disability enjoy the same opportunities and benefits as the rest of the community.
“The draft 10 year plan proposes 10 priorities and strategies to improve access to transport, education, health care, housing, employment, social, arts, sports and recreational pursuits.
“This is one of many Shared Visions regional forums being held throughout the state in order to give Queenslanders an opportunity to have their say on the final 10-year plan.”
Ms Palaszczuk will officially open the Mackay Shared Visions Forum, being held at the Windmill Motel, Highway Plaza, North Mackay at 9:30am.
Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin said the forum gave local residents a chance to contribute to a plan which aimed to create a more inclusive community.
“We need to work together to achieve this vision – people with a disability are valued members of the community and we need to ensure they are able to fully participate and contribute to society.’’
Mr Mulherin said the Bligh government was committed to improving the quality of life of people living with a disability.
“Funding announced in the state budget will result in better care and support for Queenslanders and their families.’’
“The draft 10 Year Plan for Supporting Queenslanders with a Disability builds on what is already happening.''
To view the consultation paper visit the Disability and Community Care Services website at www.disability.qld.gov.au.
The plan comes as the Bligh Government’s 2010-11 Budget delivers a record $1.61 billion for disability and community care services.
Ms Palaszczuk said the record budget would result in better care and support for Queenslanders and their families.
“We made the tough decisions so we could continue to invest in better services for Queenslanders – and that’s exactly what we’re doing.
“We’re investing $1.61 billion in disability and community care services in 2010-11, up from $1.4 billion last financial year.
This year’s State Budget includes:
·$1.054 billion for Disability Services
·$528.7 million for Home and Community Care ( HACC )
·$28.6 million for Community Mental Health Services
The budget for disability services would deliver an extra $72.5 million in funding over the next four years, including an extra $12.5 million in 2010-11.
The extra $12.5 million in 2010-11 will provide an extra:
·$4.4 million to support young people with a disability leaving school;
·$3.2 million to support people with spinal cord injuries;
·$2.9 million for early intervention and support services for the families of children with a disability;
·$1 million for the Community Living Initiative, to help people with a disability to live independently in the community;
·$1 million to create new autism early intervention centres in Bundaberg and Mackay.
- This web page is from the Disabled World Queensland section which provides: Disability news articles stories including recent medical and health updates from Queensland Australia.
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