Overview
Summary
Since 2015, Queensland Police and community service agencies working in the domestic and family violence area have been advocating and working towards providing crisis accommodation in the Douglas Shire.
At present, people have no option other than taking temporary accommodation away from family and friends and other support networks. Often this means children must go to a new school and/or there the opportunity to retain employment is lost while families seek more permanent accommodation.
A better way is to have safe, temporary accommodation available to those in need here in Douglas Shire and it is pleasing to report the efforts of the community will be realised with the building of new, safe accommodation located on the vacant lot.
Cost of Project
$700,000
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
Visit www.dss.gov.au for more information.
Project Updates
DECEMBER, 2021
Concrete slabs were poured for the new Domestic Violence Emergency Accommodation.
OCTOBER, 2021
Contractors will start work week commencing 25 October with the arrival of earthmoving equipment on site.
SEPTEMBER, 2021
Local workers and materials will be used to build Safe Places Emergency Accommodation in Mossman.
Douglas Shire Council awarded the $547,850.36 contract to MAC Constructions to build one two-bedroom unit and one three-bedroom unit. In their submission, the contractor stated an intention to source material and workforce from the local area where possible.
AUGUST, 2021
Two units will be constructed to provide emergency accommodation for two families, one unit able to accommodate two children and the second up to four children.
Council is inviting local home builders to submit tenders to prepare the final design based on preliminary drawings and construct the facility. The plan is to award the tender by October 2021, and the facility constructed by May 2022.
Local companies can register their interest by emailing procurement@douglas.qld.gov.au
Additional Information
FAQ – Who will run the facility?
This is unknown at this point although it will not be Douglas Shire Council.
A Domestic Violence Supported Accommodation Service Organisation Model was adopted by Council in August 2019. In brief, it is likely to be a multi-agency model where organisations with different areas of expertise provide support for those accessing the safe accommodation.
The report should be read in conjunction with the Functional Brief.
Enquiries
For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Gaye Scott on 0418 793 009 or gaye.scott@douglas.qld.gov.au
