Minister announces respite care facilities for Joondalup and Rockingham

Two out-of-home respite care centres for people with disabilities will be erected in Joondalup and Rockingham.

Disability Services Minister Simon O'Brien said the new facilities were in the first stage of $12million funding towards building five care centres across the State.

"In Opposition, families from throughout Western Australia consistently told me they needed flexible respite options to give them a break from their caring roles," Mr O'Brien said.

"I gave a firm undertaking that, if elected, a Liberal government would immediately set about addressing this issue.

"Since assuming office, I have been working hard to ensure we deliver on that promise.

"I am pleased to announce that following considerable consultation with communities in the northern and southern suburbs, Joondalup and Rockingham have been chosen as the locations to set up two of the promised five out-of-home respite care facilities.

"Working with carers, service providers and other stakeholders, we have developed a much better idea of the specific types of services these facilities need to offer to suit the area's local requirements.

"These facilities will provide a high level of care to people with a diverse range of disabilities and support their needs in a safe and welcoming environment."

The Minister said the Joondalup and Rockingham facilities would be important in supporting people with disabilities and their families and carers living in Perth's growth areas.

"Work on the two facilities will start once suitable land is sourced," he said.

"I look forward to seeing this centre up and running as soon as possible."

Mr O'Brien said another out-of-home respite facility would be located in Broome.

Further consultation will be held with metropolitan and country communities in the coming months to decide on the location of the remaining two facilities.