December 12, 2023
A proposal to build a multi-unit complex in Murgon to provide independent living for disabled adults has won approval from the South Burnett Regional Council.
At the SBRC’s December Liveability standing committee meeting, Councillors voted unanimously to give Murgon Independent Lifestyle Project Inc (MILP) an initial three-year lease over the southern end of McMahon Park so the group can seek funding to begin construction on the site.
This followed a public consultation session held at the park in mid-November to gather the opinions of residents, and an online survey run through the Council’s website .
Both consultation efforts indicated the majority of respondents thought the area was suitable for the project and were in favour of disability housing being built there.
Most indicated they did not use the park, but those who did were predominantly aged over 65 and just used the park’s walking tracks.
MILP is a not-for-profit registered charity that was formed in May 2022.
The group aims to provide safe, secure long-term housing for people with disabilities living in the Murgon area.
At present, they have to rely on their ageing parents to provide care, or move out of the region because this type of facility was not currently available in Murgon.
MILP aims to raise funds to build a “village-like setting” in Murgon that could accommodate disabled adults with low to medium-level care needs.
The complex would allow tenants to live independently in personal dwellings in a safe and secure gated environment, with 24-hour supervision and assistance provided by on-site carers.
Most of the complex’s overheads would be covered by rental fees, which would be paid from the tenants’ pensions and/or NDIS support packages, with any shortfall covered by MILP’s fundraising efforts.
MILP told the Council they have been looking for a suitable site to build the facility, and believed a portion of McMahon Park – a big but largely under-utilised area between Perkins Street and Goodchild Drive – would be the most suitable location.
Securing a lease from Council would be a necessary first step to seeking funding from Federal and State agencies to build the complex.
The MILP project has received letters of support from Graham House, the Murgon Business and Development Association, Murgon RSL Sub-Branch, Rockin’ Our Abilities and Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien.
MILP members expect it will take several years to bring the project into full operation.
The motion to approve an initial three-year lease of roughly one-third of McMahon Park to MILP was moved by Cr Kathy Duff, seconded by Cr Scott Henschen, and carried unanimously.
It is expected to be ratified at the General Meeting of Council – the last for the year – to be held on Wednesday.
