News
Growing up with a passion for sports and the beach, Shane Hryhoec’s world changed in 2007 when a swimming accident left him with a spinal cord injury. Since then, Shane has been vocal about the need for more inclusive outdoor facilities.
For many people with disability, be they local or tourists, something as simple as going to the beach or on a bush walk can be a challenge.
This morning, Minister for Social Services and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Amanda Rishworth, announced a $17.1 million initiative to remove these barriers.
The initiative, Accessible Australia, has committed to build additional accessible infrastructure projects in national parks, beaches and play spaces across the country.
As the founder of Accessible Beaches Australia, a not-for-profit that partners with councils and lifesaving clubs to transform beaches into inclusive spaces, Shane says Accessible Australia could prove to be life changing for those living with disability.
This could be a game changer for people with disabilities and our aging population who want to access the beach,
Shane Hryhoec
The initiative proposes to improve accessibility for people with disability with items such as all-terrain wheelchairs for nature trails and rugged terrain, mobi-matting for beaches, and inclusive play equipment.
Minister Rishworth says Accessible Australia continues the government’s focus on inclusion for people with disability across all aspects of life in Australia.
“Through Accessible Australia, we are significantly broadening the types of accessible infrastructure and amenities that will be built across Australia,” Minister Rishworth said.
“[We’re] providing access – for the first time for many – to national parks, beaches and play spaces.”
The Government has also pledged to provide funding to state and territory governments to help with the design, development and delivery of projects undertaken by the initiative.
By working together, we can make Australia truly accessible for all
Minister Rishworth
As for Shane, he is optimistic that councils and local governments will see the advantages of making the country’s outdoors spaces more accessible.
“I hope local governments get behind this to make our beaches more inclusive.”