Improvements to infrastructure in South West Rocks are being carried out as part of Kempsey Shire Council’s ongoing focus to make public spaces safer and more accessible.
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Modifications to improve the condition of the kerb ramps near the Rocks Central Shopping Centre are underway while a new pedestrian crossing refuge in Gregory Street near Gordon Young Drive was recently completed.
The works form part of council’s Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP) which is designed to increase mobility for pedestrians and motorised scooters.
With this Sunday, December 3, marking International Day of People with a Disability, the works ensure that there is better access to services and facilities for the whole community.
Council’s Manager of Engineering Works, Tony Green, said further improvements to increase mobility access are scheduled to commence in the South West Rocks area this year and in 2018.
“Council will be constructing new kerb ramps and a pedestrian refuge near the Belle O’Connor Street roundabout and modifying kerb ramps at the Gregory Street/Arthur Street intersection,” he said.
“Kerb ramps and refuge crossings are also planned for Gilbert Cory Street and Rudder Street.”
Some of the works will be completed before the summer holiday season and the remainder early next year. Council is also supporting the South West Rocks Lions Club’s project to create a new access ramp so that elderly people and those with a disability can safely access the sandy area at Back Creek.
The Lions Club received a $15,000 NSW Government grant under the Community Building Partnership Program for the project and have engaged Doug Taylor Excavations to carry out the work.
Council has provided assistance where needed as well as materials for the installation of handrails and fencing.
The new ramp will be opened on Tuesday 19 December at 10am. Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey will be in attendance and the community is invited to attend.