Member for Northern Tablelands, Adam Marshall, left, met with Uralla Shire Council Executive Manager Community and Culture Olivia Wood and Mayor Michael Pearce to announce a $30,000 grant to improve accessibility in Uralla’s main street.
URALLA Shire Council’s recent win in the NSW Government’s Creating Livable Communities competition will help to make the town of Uralla more disability friendly, Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said today.
Mr Marshall said council had been awarded $30,000 to undertake a project which aims to assist businesses in the town’s CBD become more accessible and user-friendly for older people and people with a disability.
“Uralla’s historic buildings are highly valued by the community and are a major attraction for visitors and locals alike, however when they were built very little thought was given to providing access to people using wheelchairs and those with mobility issues,” he said. “Consequently access to most of the main street buildings is restricted to the able-bodied.
“I’m delighted council has been awarded this funding, the project will certainly reap excellent long term benefits for the residents of Uralla and their visitors.”
Uralla Shire Council’s Executive Manager Community and Culture Olivia Wood said the Main Street Disability Access Project would make the town more livable and inclusive and was part of Council’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life of the Shire’s aged and disabled people.
“As a community, we are justifiably proud of our heritage buildings but we want to ensure we have a socially inclusive environment and these buildings were constructed before consideration was given to providing access to people with mobility issues,” Ms Wood said.
“This project will alleviate the problem by developing an education program for business owners, so they can make their premises more accessible and inclusive.
“It will also involve shop-front signage providing information about access and service options, and printed and digital mobility access maps.
“This project was identified by the Disability and Access Community Consultative Panel, which is made up of a Councillor delegate, Council staff, and community members and we’d like to thank the NSW Government for providing funding for this important project.”