Redland City Council has thrown its support behind a new community hub that would support the Redlands’ ageing population and those with disabilities.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Councillors today endorsed plans for the new facility, as well as agreeing to apply to the Federal Government for funding towards its construction.

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“Redland City is home to a rapidly-growing aged community as well as significant disabled population, so this facility would be a welcome addition to our community,” Cr Williams said.

“Today’s decision shows our commitment to providing for our community’s ageing population and we will be asking the Federal Government to show its commitment by providing a National Stronger Regions Grant for this exciting and much-needed project.

“Council has allocated $135,000 in this year’s budget and we also have in-principle agreement for a capital budget bid in 2017-18 when we expect the facility to be built.  There is also the option to use Council’s Community Facility Infrastructure Reserve to help fund the project.”

Divisional Councillor Craig Ogilvie said the proposed facility would be built at the Donald Simpson Centre, bringing together several aged and community services into a state-of-the-art facility supporting the Redlands’ most needy residents.

Artists impression

“The Donald Simpson Centre already provides a broad range of invaluable services to the Redlands community and adding this new facility would see it become a one-stop centre for community support,” he said.

“The community hub will provide seniors support such as health services, social activities and respite and disability services, including social programs and activities as well as general community services such as counseling and community meeting spaces.

“The advantages of the facility would extend to the wider Redlands community with space for new retail and commercial services, bringing new business and employment opportunities to the city.”

Council’s Strengthening Communities spokesperson Cr Lance Hewlett said the project was supported by community services organisations.

“Discussions have been held with organisations from across the community services spectrum with a number of them showing strong interest in being part of the project,” he said.

“There is still some way to go before the facility becomes a reality with construction not expected to start until 2017, but there is no doubt the community is supportive of the concept, and certainly no doubt that it will deliver great outcomes for residents.”