Accessibility improvements to roll out in central Geelong

POPULAR locations in central Geelong are about to become more accessible for people with disabilities and mobility issues through the Central Geelong Accessibility Improvements Project.

The works follow an accessibility audit of central Geelong undertaken by the Revitalising Central Geelong Partnership that identified the barriers to easy access encountered by people with mobility limitations, particularly those relying on wheelchairs.

Improvements include: upgrading pedestrian access at the Moorabool Street entrance to Westfield Geelong and a further eight footpath improvement projects in the Eastern Beach area.

The accessibility improvements will significantly improve movement and access for people with disabilities as well as all path users in high-activity areas in central Geelong.

Funded by the Victorian Government and delivered through the Revitalising Central Geelong Partnership, the Central Geelong Accessibility Improvements Project works are due for completion by mid-year.

“The City of Greater Geelong and the Victorian government are working in partnership to implement the Revitalising Central Geelong Action Plan, designed to turn central Geelong into a magnet for new jobs and growth,” Planning Minister Richard Wynne said.

“With central Geelong being home to the TAC, WorkSafe and NDIA, the Victorian Government has allocated funds for infrastructure improvements to ensure central Geelong is accessible for users of all ages and abilities.”

Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said that Geelong, as a UNESCO City of Design, aimed to apply universal access design excellence to central Geelong and to continue to be a leader in accessibility and social inclusion.

“This project builds on the city’s implementation of two floating beach wheelchairs and rubber beach matting pathway at Eastern Beach, and will further assist those who experience mobility challenges and parents with prams to have easier access to the beach and water.”