Service plans to expand
A LONGSTANDING Toowoomba disability and mental health support service has put forward plans to expand its offices near the centre of town.
Warrina Services lodged an application with the Toowoomba Regional Council last week for an “extension” to its premises on the corner of Bridge and Gowrie Streets.
The report by Creative Planning said the expansion to the rear of the building would cater for extra office spaces and a conference area.
In a letter to the council, CEO Lyndel Bunter said the proposal was to help meet Covid-19 guidelines.
“The purpose of the current development application is not to expand the business but to better accommodate our existing employees and client activities,” she wrote.
“The proposal has become a priority with current Covid-19 worksafe restrictions and the need to provide at least four square metres per individual.
“The proposed extension to the building will only make a slight increase on the building’s footprint and will be sympathetic to the building’s traditional features.”
According to its website, Warrina Services supports people through the National Disability Insurance Scheme, along with the Department of Health.
“As a client directed service our model of care is to provide individualised responses to people’s needs that enable them to have fulfilling lives; to overcome their disability and access the community activities and services,” the website said.
“We encourage clients to assume increasing levels of responsibility and to explore different opportunities and experiences.”
The organisation has been in Toowoomba for 35 years.
The council has yet to respond to the application with an information request.