Disability access gets $4m boost

GOLD Coast disability providers say $4 million worth of needed wide-ranging upgrades to boost access citywide “ticks all the boxes”.

A total $2 million is for improving disability access across the city transport network, with a further $2,484,600 allocated to upgrade bus stop disability access citywide.

The Australian Foundation for Disability (AFFORD) Queensland state manager Allan Sio said the commitment would mean support for “those who fall through the gaps”.

“There always seems to be something missing in the community, where the disability access, the disability friendly parks and things like that were needed,” he said.

“This definitely ticks all the boxes within that and there have been great discussions at length about what local government is doing. It’s much welcomed.”

New funding will also give better support to people with a disability and “provide technical access advice” when designing new facilities, as part of $2,356,410 given to social development.

Another $81,000 has been given to improve access to recreational facilities across the Coast, with part of a $17m upgrade to tourist parks also focused on improvements.

Mr Sio added AFFORD would like to be part of future discussions with city council regarding disability improvements.

“I do hope to be part of some discussion in the future, or any further upgrades,” he said. “We support thousands already and the more information council can receive the better they can make it.”