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Bundaberg Regional Access Advisory Committee Inc. NEWS LETTER |
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ACCESS CARD This program continues to assist people who need attendant care when they go out. It allows free entry, for the carer when the person with the disability pays, at participating venues. After the initial period when about 50 people applied, the application rate is now about 1 per month. Ring 4154 4494 if interested.
HINKLER HALL of AVIATION Access at the Hinkler Hall of Aviation (HHA) should be excellent after a meeting with the Project Manager, Michael Browne. He spoke about the design concepts and other important details and our Technical Advocate offered suggestions about how access could be improved. Their plans already had good access for people with movement difficulties and disability so there were only a few things that needed alteration. They were –
There will be a computer display of Hinkler House for people who are unable to get inside to see it. A ‘virtual reality’ computer simulation will make it seem like you are actually there. You will be able to move around and zoom in to get a closer look at things. It will have large easy to use controls. This computer display will provide equivalent/alternative access and achieve the object of the Disability Discrimination Act; “to eliminate, as far as possible, discrimination against people on the grounds of disability”. . General information The Hinkler Hall of Aviation will stand out with its wing shaped roof. It will be eleven times bigger than Hinkler House which will be joined to it by a covered walkway. The ‘Hall’ will showcase Bert Hinkler’s achievements and the ‘House’ will showcase his personal life. It will be just inside the gates of the Bundaberg Botanical Gardens.
ANZAC POOL Bundaberg City Council is installing a new seat on its chair hoist at Anzac pool. We were asked for some guidance. As there are no Australian Standards for these hoists it was suggested that a swivelling seat is used. This would allow approach from any direction but it must be at the same height as the original.
PATHS OF TRAVEL A couple of Access Reports about ‘paths of travel’ have been presented to the Bundaberg City Council at their Access Committee meeting. (Council is responsible for these footpaths) 1. The footpath in Johnson Street outside Sugarland Tavern lacks kerb ramps. This forces wheelchair and scooter users to use the street at this dangerous location. 2. The footpath on the corner of Gavegan and Queen Streets in North Bundaberg near IGA supermarket causes the same problem. A complaint was made at the meeting about another bad kerb ramp (crossing Heidke St) and a report on this will be done.
DISABILITY PARKING A story in the News-mail on June 4 announced that The Bundaberg City Council will put in extra disability parking; some of these are due to our organisations actions.
There will also be a bridge put in over the tall gutter outside Crofton Street Medical Centre to allow access from the disability parking space to the footpath.
These seven new disability parking spaces mean Bundaberg’s residents and visitors needing disability parking near popular venues are more likely to find them.
BIKEWAYS We have met with Tim Lawson from Bundaberg City Council about the city bikeways project. A part is under construction in the playing fields at Kendalls flat. There is a steep section as it approaches George Street and an alternate path with a gentle slope will be offered. Another section which is still in the planning stage was discussed and we couldn’t find an accessible alternative path. An alternative way of providing access may have to be found.
BRAAC MEETINGS We meet on the fourth Monday of the month in the School of Arts building at 184 Bourbong Street. All welcome.
Monthly Meetings
Usually 1.30pm
at Bundaberg School of Arts 140 Bourbong St Bundaberg 4th
Monday in every month
Power Point Presentation
We have a 10 minute power point presentation available to show groups how we operate with our access reports. Talk to The secretary on 41544494 if interested.
Display stand The Bundaberg Access Advisory Committee now have a professional display stand measuring about 2mts wide by approximately 1.8mts high. It has all the visual information about the Access Card program including some enlarged laminated photos. It also displays the type of work carried out by the Bundaberg Access Advisory Committee inc. It is available for display at Conferences, Shows, Council Chambers, Shopping Centres etc. If you are able to place it for a period of time then please contact The secretary on 4154 4494 any time
Have you visited our web site? www: bundabergaccess .org is still growing with over 80 page at present The region covered goes from 1770 to Childers. Gin Gin, Bargara and CBD. All details on wheelchair access for caravan parks, motels, restaurants, tourist attractions , shops, public toilets etc , with over 20 useful links to other organisations. The site was designed for a person living anywhere in Australia to plan a visit to our region and book ahead, knowing the accommodation will be wheelchair accessible. Great for our tourism industry.
Hearing loop Funded by Queensland Gambling Community Benefit Fund at a cost of $2045.00 the system is ready for use at conferences etc where some people present have hearing impairment. The hearing loop converts the human voice from the PA system and sends around the room via a special cable that carries a pulse which is picked up by modern hearing aids and converted back into human voice. The hearing aid has a T piece that the wearer turns on to use the loop. Bookings please phone The secretary 4154 4494
Do you know? The Commonwealth disability discrimination act 1992-sect 32. Unlawful to contravene disability standards It is unlawful for a person to contravene a disability standard.
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