Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall pictured with Disability Services Minister John Ajaka and Uralla Shire Council Mayor Mick Pearce at Alma Park today. Marshall thanks local community for support
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall and NSW Disability Services Minister John Ajaka today announced $25,000 in State Government funding for the Uralla Shire Council to install a liberty swing Alma Park.
Mr Marshall said the Liberty Swing was the world’s safest and most recognised swing for children and adults in wheelchairs and he had been more than happy to lobby the Minister for funding after council indicated they were eager to install one in the town.
“I’d like to thank the Uralla community for getting behind the push for state government assistance by signing the petition we circulated in town,” Mr Marshall said.
“It’s another example people power impacting on government decisions; the Minister was more than impressed that the community was very much behind the project
“Uralla is working towards becoming a ‘disability friendly’ town and the installation of a liberty swing has become one of council’s main priorities.”
Mr Marshall said Alma Park was a popular site for residents and travellers and although the park features the town’s most comprehensive playground, it lacks wheelchair-friendly equipment.
“The issue of the park’s limitations was partly addressed some years ago with the construction of an amenities block containing disabled facilities and the realignment of a park access point to enable wheelchair access. This did not however address the failings of the site to provide recreational facility for this section of the community.”
Mr Marshall said he had successfully petitioned the Minister to assist the Inverell Shire Council with the purchase of a liberty swing for Victoria Park and was delighted that the strong show of support from the Uralla community had brought about the same result.
Uralla Shire Council Mayor Mick Pearce thanked the community for their support of the petition and said Council was very keen to get on with the installation
“Uralla Shire Council has a goal of creating a liveable and inclusive town for all community members and this is well under way with various plans for improved access and infrastructure for people with a disability,” Cr Pearce said.
“The project also has the capacity to help boost the local economy as we expect the swing will encourage travellers to stop in Uralla.”