16 March 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Access Working Group is conducting an Access Awareness Activity to highlight the challenges often faced by people with mobility issues when navigating their way through the CBD.

Councillors and staff involved in planning and infrastructure design decisions will access the CBD on Tuesday, 20 March from 11.00am to 1.00pm, using a range of mobility and vision aids, including goggles, canes, crutches and wheelchairs.

Access Working Group Chair Councillor Ann Luke said the activity will be conducted in conjunction with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, supports Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017-2021 and long-term goals for enhancing access and cultivating inclusion throughout the Shire.

“Enhancing access in infrastructure planning and design often isn’t just about meeting the necessary standards and regulations,” Cr Luke said.

“As a community it is important that we work together to ensure we are inclusive and welcoming to everyone.

“This activity will provide participants and businesses with a valuable insight into what it is like for people who have mobility issues to undertake those ordinary shopping experiences that so many take for granted.

“The activity also supports efforts to raise awareness among businesses about the possible lost revenue through poor layout and designs within their premises, when they can’t be accessed by many potential clients,” she said.

“We encourage businesses in the CBD to invite participants inside to gauge how easy it is for people in wheelchairs, people on crutches, people with low vision, mums and dads with prams and others, to move around their shop.”

For more information contact Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au 

Photo: Gunnedah Shire Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton and Acting General Manager Andrew Johns will take part in the initiative.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.