Marrickville's Accessible Pathways Program

A Marrickville Council project providing a continuous, non-interrupted accessible pedestrian pathway supported by infrastructure so that all members of the community can participate in all aspects of community life.

How the project came about

A local resident who uses a wheelchair pointed out the difficulty of travelling around the local area using existing infrastructure to access local services and facilities.

Initially, the committee responded to requests for access in a reactive manner and kerb ramps were installed on request. This resulted in an unsatisfactory non-continuous route that was both frustrating and, in some parts, dangerous. After discussion, it was decided to develop a planned approach, rather than responding to each request on an ad hoc basis. A five year plan to develop Accessible Pathways in Marrickville was formulated.

How the project has been developed

The Accessible Pathways Plan is a joint undertaking between people with a disability, the Access Committee and the Technical or Engineering Services Division of council. Without commitment from all of these people, there will be little chance of a successful outcome.

Other stakeholders include the RTA, Telstra and other utilities. Many councils now employ a Pedestrian Safety Officer, who can liaise with the RTA, especially in relation to traffic lights.

The development of the Marrickville plan was an evolutionary process which was constantly reviewed and refined by the Access Committee. Marrickville Council's experience can assist other councils to develop Master Plans for Accessible Pathways in a more co-ordinated and planned way.

What are the major benefits?

Accessible Pathways benefits the whole community including people with a vision impairment, people using wheelchairs, ambulant people with mobility disabilities, as well as parents with strollers and older people. Good design is of benefit to everyone. Many residents commented on the freedom experienced by using the designated pathways.

The Australian Local Government Association has recognised the Marrickville model and promoted it as a best practice accessible pathways model.

Other tangible benefits are:

• A more co-ordinated approach to planning.
• A network of Accessible Pathways to enable ease of movement throughout the Local Government Area.
• Targeted funding to develop Accessible Pathways

In conclusion

Councils have a direct responsibility under the Disability Discrimination Act, 1992, to provide equitable and non-discriminatory infrastructure. Councils could successfully address these responsibilities by including the development of accessible pathways within a Disability Discrimination Act Action Plan.

However for local government authorities to successfully interlink Accessible Pathways it is essential that matching funding be made available, particularly by other key players. Appropriate sources of funding still need to be sought to support a co-ordinated approach to integrating local accessible pathways into a broader regional and metropolitan network.

The concept of an accessible pathway still needs to be incorporated from the footpath into and throughout facilities to allow seamless access. Finally strategies to promote the networks of accessible pathways is essential if residents and visitors are to enjoy the benefits.

What lessons were learned?

The Marrickville Access Committee has experienced a number of difficulties which can cause delay and frustration:

1. The continuity of Council staff
2. Duplicating existing research and information
3. Maintaining enthusiasm and interest of Council staff
4. Ensuring the key concept of continuity is upheld. Designated sections should be completed before a secondary stage is commenced
5. Funding and budgetary restrictions
6. Enlisting the cooperation of the public and commercial sector to provide access to facilities along the prescribed route
7. Developing a meaningful and user friendly system of signs to identify the pathway.

For further information

Contact	:	Marrickville Council
Address	:	PO Box 14, Petersham NSW Australia 2049
Phone	:	9335 2222
Mobile	:	TTY 02 9789 9617
Fax	:	9335 2029
Email	:	council@marrickville.nsw.gov.au

WWW

:

http://www.marrickville.nsw.gov.au