Redland City Council has endorsed a National Stronger Regions Funding application partnership with the Capalaba based Horizon Foundation.
The decision follows Council agreement in September last year to grant a 50 year lease to the Foundation for a portion of the Council owned land on the corner of Runnymede Road, Capalaba.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was delighted to partner with the locally based not-for-profit Horizon Foundation which has a 34 year record of providing services for people with disabilities.
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“The Horizon Foundation is highly respected for their commitment to a full range of disability services including early intervention, training, employment and social services.
“Council’s decision today to waive the trunk infrastructure charges associated with the Foundation’s application for a proposed multi-purpose disability services facility at the Runnymede site was an important gesture of support for the activation of the site.
“Already the Redlands largest not-for-profit employer with 180 staff and 1400 clients, the Horizon Foundation is committed to making a substantial investment in their new purpose built facility adjacent to Redland IndigiScapes Centre.
“While Council fully supports the Foundation’s proposed use of the site, which is zoned for community purposes, the project is contingent on Council approving a development application for the site which is currently at the information stage,” Cr Williams said.
“The proposed Horizon facility will provide an important stimulus for community and economic services and as the leading tenant on the site will be a key player in activating and developing potential synergies for other site uses.
“The development of this new facility will also allow the Horizon Foundation to grow their important service offerings following the expected rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Queensland in 2016.”
Mr Joe Gamblin, Horizon Foundation Chief Executive said their project was probably the biggest community services infrastructure project in Redland City and the Foundation was proud to have the support of Council to make the exciting initiative possible.
“The Horizon Community and Education Centre will deliver strong economic benefits for the community not only in jobs created through the construction period but also the additional staff we will be employing through growth from the NDIS,” Mr Gamblin said.
“We are also expanding our training services and will be able to deliver certificate level courses in hospitality, horticulture and land conservation, and train staff who would like to obtain qualifications in working with people with disabilities.”
Council will now develop a concept plan for the remainder of the Runnymede site in consultation with other potential partners, the Horizon Foundation and Council’s own IndigiScapes Centre.
Cr Williams said the Foundation, as a growing service provider in the region, is well positioned to win support from the $1 billion National Stronger Regions Funding which provides up to $200 million annual funding for projects to improve local communities.
