NORTHCOTE ELECTORATE - Disabled Access To Local Parks
Ms THEOPHANOUS (Northcote): My constituency question is to the Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, and I ask: what is the latest information on what the state government is doing to support people with disabilities to access local parks? Our local parks are becoming more and more valuable, but they must be accessible to everyone. In Thornbury the local community have worked very patiently and constructively with Darebin council in order to see upgrades to Penders Park. The Penders Park project group were established in 2018 to help council create a masterplan with an inclusive vision. The masterplan includes provision for a new all-abilities play space and accessible toilet facilities. I commend the council for funding the new playground, but sadly the toilet block has not been funded. My community quite rightly are concerned that without a Changing Places accessible bathroom the new upgrades will still be out of reach to too many families. In 2017–18 the Andrews government funded 26 facilities across the state, generally at tourist hotspots, that included public toilets with full-sized change tables and hoists. A facility at Thornbury would make a huge difference.