Emerald Specialist Disability Accommodation Project: A New Chapter for Inclusive Living.
We are thrilled to announce that construction is underway on our newest Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) project in Emerald, comprising two beautifully-designed accessible homes, purpose-built for two NDIS participants. The slab has been poured and its full steam ahead!
It’s another exciting new project that promises to make a significant impact on the local community, representing a crucial step forward in providing inclusive housing solutions for NDIS participants in this underserved region.
The Emerald SDA will feature two-bedroom homes with an Onsite Overnight Assistance (OOA) room, meticulously designed to cater specifically to High Physical Support, Fully Accessible & Improved Liveability specifications. This project was inspired by the success of our Rockhampton SDA, which led support coordinators at Yumba Bimbi to reach out, seeking a similar solution for Emerald.
Danny McGrane from Leben Homes explains the importance of this initiative, “Emerald is currently underserved for SDA. The challenges of material cost, regionality, and low SDA knowledge proved too limiting for others to build. We love a challenge and did everything we could to make it work!”
Overcoming Unique Challenges to Bring SDA to Emerald
Like any ambitious project, the Emerald SDA has faced its share of challenges. From engaging a builder with capacity for SDA to ensuring the site remains outside of flood zones, each step has required careful planning and execution. Inclement weather has presented additional hurdles.
“SDA building poses unique challenges; it’s a hard undertaking for the unexposed. We have had to project manage the build ourselves and went on the search for a foreman we could rely upon to get the job done,” Danny shares.
Despite these obstacles, the team at Leben Homes remains committed to delivering a home that not only meets but exceeds expectations. While the Emerald SDA doesn’t require significant considerations beyond the High Physical Support standards, these homes have been designed to include multiple living spaces for privacy and entertaining, as well as private outdoor areas and ensuites for each tenant, creating a comfortable living environment.
A Promising Future for SDA in Regional Aus
Work on the Emerald SDA has begun, and with the project progressing steadily, the team expects the home to be completed by April 2025. This project is not just a fresh start for its future residents; it also shows what's possible for other underserved towns across Australia.
“Whilst there were challenges to overcome, we are creating a pathway to build more SDA in the underserved townships all across Australia,” Danny notes.
Stay tuned for further updates as we work towards completing this exciting new chapter in Emerald’s community. For more information, please feel free to get in touch with our team.
