An access and inclusion strategy is urgently needed for Tweed Shire before it experiences further boosts in population, according to two Tweed residents with a disability.
Ben Dierikx, a Pottsville resident with impaired vision, and student Kristian Keogh, who can often be seen zipping around Murwillumbah in his motorised wheelchair, both believe Tweed Shire is relatively easy to get around and get involved, compared to other places they had experienced.
“But it might not stay that way as the Tweed’s population continues to grow rapidly,” Ben said.
“So it’s fantastic that Tweed Shire Council is being proactive and taking the initiative to create an access and inclusion strategy.
“It’s vital that people with a disability, their family members and carers provide input to the creation of this strategy. These people have to deal with issues of access and inclusion every day and often give a lot of thought to ways to overcome any difficulties.”
Council is running a three-month community engagement campaign until mid February, encouraging public input through a number of initiatives including online forums and questionnaire on its consultation website at www.yoursaytweed.com.au/disabilityaccess.
Kristian, who recently completed Year 10 at Murwillumbah High School, said the online options were an excellent way to encourage input from the public, “particularly for people who had difficulty getting around”.
He said while many people in the Tweed were very considerate and helpful, he had difficulties accessing some older-style buildings and footpaths in the Tweed.
“My family and I have worked out safe routes to get around much of Murwillumbah but you can often encounter problems such as entrances to buildings,” Kristian said.
“Shop owners and assistants are usually very helpful and will often bring things to the door but it’s not the same as being able to browse around a store.
“Whenever we go somewhere new, you have to really plan ahead to make sure there isn’t going to be any difficulties with access.”
The young pianist and actor said one of his greatest challenges was accessing venues for performances.
“They are generally okay if you’re a member of the audience but not if you need to get on stage to perform,” he said.
Ben has progressively suffered vision loss after contracting a parasite while working as a tour guide in Asia nearly 20 years ago.
He said his biggest access problems since returning to the Tweed included getting his assistance dog, Kane, into public transport, cafes and restaurants.
“I can usually talk taxi drivers and restaurant owners around but it would be great if you didn’t have to constantly go through that process,” Ben said.
“One of the most important steps that need to be taken is an education campaign, including a focus on schools, to raise awareness about access issues such as assistance dogs.”
Council’s strategy will address measures to help ensure everyone can participate in social, business, employment, education and leisure activities in the Tweed. That includes access to buildings, transport and outdoor spaces.
For more information, contact Council’s Aged and Disability Development Officer, Karen Collins, on (02) 6670 2442.
