City at centre of NDIS rollout

TOWNSVILLE will play a crucial role in the state’s preparations for the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

An NDIS readiness team will be based in Townsville, one of just two in Queensland, to ensure the rollout of the scheme progresses smoothly.

The scheme is expected to commence across the state in 2016, and provide disabled people more choice and control over their care.

The readiness team will be made up of 23 healthcare specialists tasked with ensuring the transition to the NDIS goes smoothly for clients of the new scheme.

Disability Services Minister Tracy Davis said having the readiness team based in Townsville would provide a huge boost to the local economy as well as improving services to participants in the scheme.

“As part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to the NDIS two experienced staff from the National Disability Insurance Agency ( NDIA) will join the 21- strong Queensland Government NDIS readiness team in Townsville,” she said.

“The NDIS will have enormous economic benefits right across Queensland, including in North Queensland.

“We know that when implemented there will be an additional 13,000 jobs created in this state.

Everyone wants to make sure that the NDIS rollout … is as smooth and effective as possible TRACY DAVIS

“Having the NDIA based in Townsville will not only prepare families for this change, but it will prepare the community for this economic boost.”

Ms Davis said Townsville was chosen for the site of the readiness team to ensure thousands of North Queensland families coping with disability received the best possible care.

“Everyone wants to make sure that the NDIS rollout in Queensland from 2016, is as smooth and effective as possible,” she said.

The readiness team will be based in Flinders St and commence work next month.

It will help determine the eligibility of potential clients for the NDIS, work with eligible patients to create individual care plans, assisting non- government organisation to provide disability support services and plan for the introduction of the scheme in 2016.

Thuringowa MP Sam Cox said the State Government was committed to the rollout of the scheme in 2016.

The NDIS is being funded by state governments and the Commonwealth through increased levies and taxes.