BETTER SUPPORT IN BRISBANE FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

BETTER SUPPORT IN BRISBANE FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Children with autism and their families will soon have access to greater support in Brisbane, with work starting today on the new North Brisbane and Pine Rivers Autism Hub.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said with four early intervention classrooms, a motor skills room and seven consulting rooms, the hub will provide individual programs for up to 50 children with autism spectrum disorders.

“The hub will provide much needed support to children with autism and their families, as well as specialist outreach and assistance to childcare centres and schools in the area,” Mr McCormack said.

Federal Member for Dickson Peter Dutton said the facility will support 124 jobs during construction and create another 25 ongoing jobs, providing a healthy boost for the local economy.

“The hub will include a training facility and research space, providing researchers with a unique opportunity to capture data while offering real-time information for families and regulatory bodies,” Mr Dutton said.

Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth, who attended the sod turn today, said the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government is proud to support the construction of the North Brisbane and Pine Rivers Autism Hub.

“Facilities such as this are essential and providing children and their families with best-practice care and support will make an important and positive difference in their lives,” Mr Howarth said.

Chief Executive Officer of the AEIOU Foundation Alan Smith said the Foundation commended the Australian Government for its vision and commitment to young children with autism and their families.

“The funding provided by the Australian Government represents a tremendous opportunity to establish a world-class facility which will have a direct impact upon the lives of local children with autism,” Mr Smith said.

This project is jointly funded with the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government investing $4.5 million and the AEIOU Foundation $96,050.