The agreements between the state and territory governments for the full roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which were promised by August 2015, have now been signed off.

After more than six months of waiting while the state and federal governments argued over the details, they now have agreed to the full roll out of the NDIS in Queensland.

In a response to the “stepped up pressure” by the “Every Australian Counts” campaign, people with disabilities will be relieved to hear that the stalemate between the Queensland and Federal governments on signing the bilateral funding agreement for the NDIS has been resolved and residents in the Douglas and Cook Shires will be able to access the new scheme in July 2018.

“This announcement is very welcomed and will alleviate some of the stress and anxiety in the community,” according to Ms Nicola Falstein, Lifestyle Support Services Coordinator at Douglas Shire Community Services Association.

“As we are the major provider of support services for people with disabilities in the Douglas and Cook Shires, we have been working with many people pre-planning for their inclusion in the scheme,” Ms Falstein said.

“Knowing a date to work towards will help both consumers and providers of the scheme because uncertainty only creates unease,” she said.

“We help with pre-planning for services and equipment, which is an essential step towards making the most of the new system, and now we have a commencement date, levels of interest and work will increase,” she said.

The NDIS is being trialled in Townsville, Charters Towers and Palm Island and the full roll out to other areas of Queensland will be complete by July 2019.

“We have a good lead-time and during this time we will continue to help people of the Douglas and Cook Shires to prepare for their planning session with representatives of the NDIS.”

For more details on the NDIA Every Australian Counts visit: Every Australian Counts