Bluesummer Properties is progressing plans to build a block of four units which will be its first custom-designed disability housing project in Bundaberg.
The disability housing specialist is aligned with locally owned Southern Cross Support Services with the two organisations working in tandem to deliver essential services and safe and comfortable accommodation for the disabled.
A development application was recently lodged with Bundaberg Regional Council for the construction of the block of units which will provide a “forever home” for four clients.
Bluesummer Properties project manager Jason Medcalf said they already had nine properties in the region which had been modified to meet the needs of clients, but this project would be the first specialised housing project.
“The advantage that we have being partnered with Southern Cross, the homes that are designed are designed to suit the clients as a forever home,” Jason said.
“Our unit design is based on the fact that a lot of people with a disability like to have their own castle.
“We don’t jam five or six clients in the one house, we generally build them their own unit.
“It’s not the profit it’s the smiles on faces.”
Jason said Bluesummer’s alignment with Southern Cross gave them an advantage in designing and delivering disability housing because it was based around the experience Southern Cross had gained over 10 years in the local industry.
That has led to certain design considerations like including an overnight support room which carers can use as often as required.
“That opportunity there is to be able to be flexible in the support depending on the client’s needs.”
He said the units would include the latest technology as well as video monitoring at entrances and emergency buttons throughout to ensure client safety.
As project manager he’s also ensured all units are capable of retrofitting ceiling hoists and rails should they be needed in future.
“We build it to the absolute highest standard we can.
“It’s better to be there and not needed.”
Clients have already been identified to live in two of the units and Jason anticipates that all four units will be filled by the time the Bluesummer disability housing is complete.
“We built four knowing full well there’s that demand there,” Jason said.
Based in Bundaberg, Jason said Bluesummer delivers disability housing from Cairns in the north to the Gold Coast in the south.
With a total of 22 properties across Queensland it is currently in the process of building nine units in Hervey Bay and six in Mackay.
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