Disability access needed at pool

Gosford Council's disability access committee has resolved to write an "emergency submission" to general manager Mr Peter Wilson asking for assistance in funding equipment to ensure "equitable pool access".

The committee asked that the equipment be funded under the Capital Works Program.

The committee also made a submission asking that each council directorate allocate $5000 to assist with funding the equipment, if no funding was available from the Capital Works Program.

A request had come to the committee for additional equipment to be provided to the leisure centre for the provision of equitable access for people with disabilities wishing to utilise the pool facilities.

Equipment needs include an electronically adjustable adult change table, a mobile electric lifting hoist, a ceiling XY track hoist and automatic doors.

The combined cost of the amendments was expected to be $28,744.

The committee said that it was envisaged that the ceiling hoist would be permanently located above the adult change table, while the mobile hoist could be relocated according to individual need.

The committee stated that "This is a need that has been identified by people with disabilities utilising the pool and has been a source of complaint".

"The Accessible Buildings budget is not designed to fund projects of this magnitude and does not have the funds for this."

Council agenda DA.002, 22 May 2007