Warrumbungle Shire Council has taken steps to improve amenities for its disabled residents to the tune of $1 million.

At its most recent Council meeting on Thursday, 17 March, councillors voted on a motion put forward by Cr Kodi Brady, to purchase a suitable property, or properties, that would then be leased to disability housing service providers.

Cr Brady said the investment would provide a cash return with relative “low risk.”

The motion was passed with councillors Dale Hogden, Carlton Kopke, Jason Newton and Ambrose Doolan all supporting the idea.

Cr Brady said that the many positives from the proposal far outweighed any negatives.

Financially, he said, it made sense.

“It would provide increased employment opportunities and give Council a positive rental return in the long run, plus it would be an asset to sell if need be in the future,” Cr Brady said.

“Isn’t it our job to try and do good for our community, provide the best for our residents and work with our vulnerable people?

“I’ve heard loud and clear that action needs to happen and for over 20-odd years some families here have been advocating for this - so why can’t the Warrumbungle Shire Council be a keen, active player and help get the ball rolling, working alongside the community?

“This would provide a service that is currently not available in our Shire, with famlies forced to travel hundreds of kilometres to access.

“And the social and emotional wellbeing of dozens of families - knowing this service is there and their loved ones are cared for in their own community.”

Warrumbungle Shire Council mayor, Cr Ambrose Doolan has championed the idea for some time, but cautioned against jumping the gun.

“It’s not right that people who belong here have to go elsewhere to get care,” Cr Doolan said.

“But this is too important to just jump in. There are different views on what the best models are.

“We need to get more advice on the best way forward.”