Bligh Government delivers $10 million for new Vision Australia HQ

Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
19/11/2009

Bligh Government delivers $10 million for new Vision Australia HQ

The Bligh Government will contribute $10 million towards the construction of Vision Australia's new Queensland headquarters at Coorparoo on Brisbane's Southside.

Minister for Disability Services Annastacia Palaszczuk today turned the first sod on the new site on Old Cleveland Road with Vision Australia CEO Gerard Menses.

"The Bligh Government will provide $10 million towards the construction of Vision Australia's new headquarters," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"That's great news for blind and vision impaired Queenslanders and their families. It will enable Vision Australia to relocate from Woolloongabba to a new purpose built facility in Coorparoo.

"The new facility will provide in-home accommodation, learning and life skills, and other important services to help vision impaired Queenslanders get the skills they need to find work.

"There are more than 3800 blind or vision impaired people in Queensland, and we want to give them a helping hand.

"We're committed to building a modern and inclusive Queensland where blind and vision impaired people can access the employment, education and social opportunities many take for granted."

Mr Menses said the new headquarters at Coorparoo was a positive move for Vision Australia.

"The new purpose-designed, two-story facility will enable us to increase our services," he said.

"Our staff will be able to deliver a wider range of programs, including study, occupational therapy, mobility training, employment initiatives, independent living assistance and information access skills, as well as recreational activities.

"We also provide services to the broader community via outreach low vision clinics, specialist training services, a woodwork program and more."

Ms Palaszczuk said the Bligh Government's $10 million commitment was in addition to the more than $900,000 a year it provided to Vision Australia.

"We have a vision to create a fair and inclusive Queensland where everyone can realise their potential," she said.

"That's why we've introduced tough new laws strengthening penalties for discrimination against people who rely on assistance dogs.

"And that's why we'll continue to help Vision Australia deliver more care and support to blind and vision impaired Queenslanders."