MOBILITY
SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL
MAKING THE REGION ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL
by Hayley Wright, Sunshine Coast Council
Bevan Kearsley, Kay MacLean, Mayor Jamieson,Dane Cross, and Cr Law.
Sunshine Coast Council has completed a revolutionary pilot project focused on making life easier for people of all abilities and boosting mobility and inclusivity in the region. From mums and dads with toddlers in tow, to the elderly and people using mobility aids, this project aims to help the coast’s most popular areas become more accessible.
T
he innovative pilot project uses modern mappingtechnology to help change the way residents and visitors travel and access popular areas of the Sunshine Coast. Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said wheelchairs were turned into mapping tools with specially trained local ‘pilots’ and advanced technology, to track routes from Maroochydore to Mooloolaba. “I’m pleased to see Sunshine Coast Council partner with Briometrix and Spinal Life Australia to undertake the project – both leading providers of technology solutions for people with disabilities,” Mayor Jamieson said. “Community members with limited mobility, whether permanent or temporary, often find it challenging to move around the Coast due to a lack of maps and wayfinding information about accessible routes. “I would like to extend my thanks to the specialist pilots, Bevan Kearsley, Dane Cross, Lachy Chapman and Kay MacLean who made this initiative possible.
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Winter 2022 // ISSUE 3
“The mapping project starts with the pilots who have lived experience, combined with innovative technology to collect information about our footpath conditions, access to public transport and parking, amenities, boardwalks, beach access and more. Mayor Jamieson said that the maps are then generated, vetted and compared against the Council's existing maps to ensure consistency, before being uploaded to Council’s website. “To be map-ready for the public by creating these easyto-use wayfinding maps, takes a collaborative approach across different teams within Council and externally,” Mayor Jamieson said. “The maps will launch on Council’s website in June, allowing everyone to find their best path, according to their needs and ability. “Identifying clear routes minimises mobility difficulties and allows the user to make informed choices before leaving the house to visit the Sunshine Coast.
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