A new community helping people with a disability live independently

Chief Minister Katy Gallagher today joined with Minister for Community Services Joy Burch in turning the first sod at the site of a new $7.7 million, 25-home Intentional Community in Phillip that will allow three young men with a disability to move into their own homes.

"The Intentional Community is a major step forward in allowing these young men, Ben, Daniel and Jackson, the independence to lead their own lives," the Chief Minister said.

"Moving out from the family home to your own place is something most young people embark upon as a normal part of growing up, but for people with a disability this process is not so straightforward.

"One of the main goals of the ACT Labor Government is to enable every Canberran an opportunity to live their life to the full, no matter what their circumstance," the Chief Minister said.

The Intentional Community will be the first of its kind in the ACT and aims to provide an innovative form of accommodation for people with a disability who will live independently but will receive a mix of support, both formal and informal, as well as ongoing support from their families.

Three of the 25 homes have been constructed specifically for the needs of the men with a disability while the remainder will be offered to public housing tenants. The dwellings exceed the 6 star energy rating and are fitted with energy efficient appliances, making them cheaper to run.

"The ACT Labor Government is proud to be able to provide the tenants with public housing in a community that we are developing specifically to support their needs," the Chief Minister said.

"This Intentional Community is a perfect example of how the ACT Labor Government s working with families to deliver the best outcomes for Canberrans.

"I want to congratulate the families of these young men and the staff in the Community Services Directorate for their commitment to making this development a reality and extend my best wishes to all the future tenants," the Chief Minister concluded.