Construction of nine new homes for local people with a manageable mental illness is on track for the planned completion date of September 2007, Acting Director of Mental Health Dr Mark Rooney said today.

The Geraldton Community Supported Residential Units, on Onslow St, will provide long-term supported accommodation for 14 people in a residential style village.

Dr Rooney said the progress of the units was particularly pleasing in light of the critical need for the homes.

“We need local support for local people,” he said.

“Without these homes, people with a mental illness in the area have to move to Perth – away from their family and friends.

“It is simply not acceptable that the quality of life for people with a mental illness should be compromised by a lack of appropriate support – and that is why we are building these new Community Supported Residential Units.”

Dr Rooney said the Department of Health was now also moving towards the procurement process for a not-for-profit non-government organisation to manage the units and provide support staff.

“Non-government organisations have been successfully providing accommodation support services in Western Australia for more than 30 years,” he said.

“We hope to start the procurement process soon and appoint the managers well ahead of the completion of construction.

“This will give us time to finalise staffing issues, set up communications mechanisms with stakeholders and start building community networks.”

Dr Rooney said the units would be among the first in the State to be completed and would include a dedicated staff facility.

“The priority this project has been given, as well as the community support it has received, is heartening for consumers, carers and health service providers,” he said.

“I look forward to the completion of the units later this year and to being able to provide local people with the support they need.”