NDIS rolled out in Rocky
Published on 10 January 2018
Rockhampton Regional Council is encouraging residents to check their eligibility under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which, after a staggered roll out across the country is now available here. The NDIS is the new way of providing support for Australians with a disability, their families and carers.
Councillor Rose Swadling, Chair of the Community Services Committee, said Council had been working hard to ensure all of the agencies involved were ready to go once the roll out hit Rockhampton Region. Cr Swadling described the resources available as significant, and said that they had the potential to make a big difference to people’s lives.
“This is a significant moment for people with a disability, their families and carers in the Rockhampton Region.
“We estimate that around 2,500 people currently receive disability related support from the Queensland or Commonwealth Governments, and we expect a further 2,400 people to benefit from the rollout of NDIS.
“If you already receive support you will be contacted by an NDIS representative when it is time to transition to the NDIS. If you are not currently receiving support, live in the Rockhampton Region and think you may meet the access requirements for the NDIS, you should contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110.
“One the major benefits of this scheme is that it is not means tested, so residents should know it will have no impact on income support such as the Disability Support Pension and Carers Allowance.
“As a Council we value each and every member of our community, and this scheme will help us ensure disabilities do not prevent those affected by them from leading fulfilling lives.”
Acting Mayor of Rockhampton Region, Councillor Cherie Rutherford, said the NDIS not only provides peace of mind for individuals with disabilities and their families, but also brings economic benefits for the Region.
“First and foremost, all of our residents now know that if their child or loved one is born with or acquires a permanent or significant disability, they will get the support they need and deserve.
“There are also wider benefits to the Region. We expect the NDIS to generate more than 850 new jobs in the coming years, and to inject an additional $130 million in to the local economy.”
The NDIS will provide about 460,000 Australians under the age of 65 with a permanent and significant disability with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to live an ordinary life. As an insurance scheme, the NDIS takes a lifetime approach, investing in people with disability early to improve their outcomes later in life. The NDIS supports people with disability to build skills and capability so they can participate in the community and employment.
- For people who need help with English the NDIS can be contacted by calling the TIS National line on 131 540.
- For people with hearing or speech loss the NDIS can be contacted via TTY on 1800 555 677.
- For more information about NDIS please visit www.ndis.gov.au