Local footpaths accessibility improved
Council’s three-year region-wide program to upgrade non-compliant kerb ramps is well underway – starting in Snowtown and Balaklava.
Mayor Rodney Reid said $138,000 was allocated to the renewal project in the 2022-23 Annual Community Plan – with 29 kerb ramps already installed in Balaklava and 16 installed at intersections along Eleventh Street in Snowtown.
“Upgrading these non-compliant kerb ramps falls under Council’s Accessible Communities action in the Disability Access & Inclusion Plan, created in 2020,” Mayor Reid said.
“An audit of footpaths identified required upgrades and maintenance, including accessibility features such as ramps.
“Following the audit, a program was developed to target high traffic areas first such as shopping precincts, aged care, medical and educational facilities, before later reaching residential areas.
“The upgraded ramps are far safer than their predecessors, with the new ramps featuring tactile indicators to assist the vision impaired and a reduced angle, providing a smoother transition to meet the road.
“Previously kerb ramps have been upgraded in conjunction with Council’s kerb and water table replacements program or on request when a need has been identified.
“Kerb ramp upgrades will continue to be undertaken in conjunction with kerb and water table replacement and the upgrading and resealing of streets while contractors are onsite.
“This program will be great for our towns as we will see anywhere from 80-90 non-compliant kerb ramps installed in our region per year, over the next three years,” Mayor Reid said.