Community encouraged to be part of accessibility audit
8 February 2017
The community is being urged to have their say on how Waipa could be more accessible, particularly for disabled people and the elderly.
Waipa District Council and CCS Disability Action are undertaking a street accessibility audit to look at how the pedestrian network (footpaths, road crossings, intersections, pedestrian crossings and mobility parking spaces, as well as access points into some reserves and community facilities) can be made more accessible.
The audit will include onsite assessments and a series of community meetings to hear about the issues people face getting around our towns.
For Council's road maintenance team leader Cedric Crow, the audit supports Council's commitment to building a community that is inclusive for all individuals.
We want this to be a collaborative project, community input is really important in making sure our district is suitable for the needs of our entire community.
Crow said all information gathered during the audit will help inform current and future work programmes to improve accessibility in our main centres.
CCS Disability Action Establishment Manager - Journeying Together, Amanda Banks, said working together with Council shows the joint commitment to making accessible environments for disabled people to move around the community with ease.
This work also has wider benefit, we know that when we make our streets good for disabled people, we make them great for all.
The first audit is being undertaken in Kihikihi and Pirongia. The community meeting to gather feedback for these areas is being held at the Te Awamutu Library on Friday 24 February from 10am-12pm.
Meetings for Cambridge and Te Awamutu areas will follow in the coming months.
For those who cannot make the meeting but still wish to offer feedback, please complete this online form.
For more information, contact: Amber Sutherland 027 404 0836