Creating an accessible peninsula for all

Yorke Peninsula Council is encouraging the community to put forward ideas to help with disability access to Council/public buildings, facilities and infrastructure.

Council’s Access Advisory Working Party aims to enhance and improve disability accessibility, mobility and social inclusion in the region.

Recent projects have included purchasing disability accessible tables and chairs for outdoor public spaces, installing or upgrading crossover ramps and installing new ramps and handrails at public buildings, facilities and other places where the public gather.

The Working Party has an annual budget of $25,000 to contribute towards projects.

The Working Party was formed in 1988, when Council brought together a group of interested community members with the aim to provide disability-friendly access to public spaces and decrease barriers to engaging in community life for all.

The group was formed following a public meeting which highlighted the need to consider people in wheelchairs as well as the elderly and vision impaired.

Councillors, staff and Working Party members even travelled around Main Street Minlaton in wheelchairs to see what could be improved.

To date Council has committed $400,000 to improving disabled access across Yorke Peninsula.

“The Working Party develops strategies to reduce barriers and increase access to Council premises and public buildings,” Mayor Darren Braund said.

“It is integral in providing advice and recommendations on Council policy, liaising with key stakeholders throughout the peninsula and making recommendations to Council on matters relating to access issues.”

The Working Party is made up of Councillors, Council staff and representatives from local progress associations.

The next Working Party meeting will be in the Minlaton Council Chamber at 1.30pm on Friday, 28 April.

The meeting is open to Progress Association representatives and members of the public are welcome in the gallery.

Please contact Maddy Pulling on 8832 0000 or email [email protected] to find out more or to put your ideas forward.