Heritage a highlight for mobility issues

BALLARAT’S heritage facilities and buildings can provide a link to the city’s past, but are they maintaining an outdated degree of inaccessibility for mobility-aided and disabled people?

Gellibrand Support Services general manager Subin Cherian said lack of accessibility is a common issue for their clients.

“The people with mobility access requirements do seem to struggle with getting around the public utilities and avenues in the city,” he said.

“This generally affects people who use wheelchairs and walkers.

“Many of our people have made comments about limited accessibility at some venues around Ballarat. The feedback we often get is these spaces could be improved.

“I know the City of Ballarat and Victorian Government are working to increase accessibility at the train station which has had significant accessibility issues in the past.

“We can also see a change in many areas where restaurants and organisations have had facilities incorporated due to legal obligations with council.”

Deborah Verdon, executive officer at Grampians disAbility Advocacy said they don’t get many requests for championing around the issue and thinks she knows the reason why.

“I think it’s because people have given up,” she said. “There’s a perception that because of heritage overlay, nothing can be done about access.

“That’s the message that’s often put out though it’s not completely accurate. But I’ve definitely noticed lots and lots of problems around Ballarat and its older buildings.”

Ms Verdon said the problem isn’t just to do with buildings.

“It’s also curbing and footpaths. The 12-inch bluestone blocks that form the curb are attractive but completely impractical for the disabled,” she said.

“When we choose a venue for an event in Ballarat, I don’t just look at the building but also how people will get in.

“Lots of places in Ballarat have done fantastic work making the interiors accessible, but it’s also about how do you get from your car to the front door.”

For nearly 30 years, Wendouree resident Mark Thompson has used a wheelchair and walker to get around Ballarat.

He said because of this, he actively avoids the central business district.

“I do my shopping at Delacombe or Wendouree because the bluestone gutters and overwhelming traffic is too much. I know others who feel the same,” he said.

“It’s not very accommodating. If I’m in my wheelchair near the bluestone gutters sometimes I’ll fall over and have to wait for someone to help.

“It’d be good if we could do something like Bendigo where they have those plates over the gutters so they’d still have their bluestone but there’s that flat terrain to go over.”

City of Ballarat director of community wellbeing Matthew Wilson said the municipality is working to make the region more inclusive.

“Ballarat’s wide range of heritage buildings presents challenges in terms of all-abilities accessibility, although the City of Ballarat is working on identifying the areas of greatest need and improving accessibility where possible,” he said.

“Our Disability Advisory Committee has, and continues to be, instrumental in supporting the work of council officers when planning and implementing changes.

“The Disability Access and Inclusion Plan outlines a priority goal to review accessibility and inclusivity of City of Ballarat facilities, such as the libraries, early years services, Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre and the Art Gallery within the next two years.”