Disability access group explores plans for Bouddi peninsula

Members of the BATs working group: From left; Charlie Ocean, Leioni Greenward, Jan McKenzie, Deb Holloman, Chris Bird, David Reid, Dee Finlay

A new campaign to promote disabled access and facilities on the Bouddi peninsula was launched on August 3 with the new team calling itself the Bouddi Access Team or BATs for short.

Sixty locals attended a meeting at Hardys Bay Club to discuss the possibilities and be inspired by programs in other parts of Australia and overseas.

Local carer Leoni Greenward addressed the meeting and shared her experiences, speaking of numerous ideas that have come in from the community.

“We’ve already received numerous messages of support from people and organisations that are keen to see these things happen,” she said.

“It’s all about accessibility for people with a disability, opening them up for everybody.

“We’re aware there are many projects with plans for the area that we can add some value to.”

Discussions ranged from installing disabled pathways and toilets at Maitland Bay car park as well as upgrading path access at the Killcare Surf Club and the dog track between Killcare and Pretty Beach.

Deb Hollerman from the Bouddi Killcare Trust has confirmed the trust will come on board as the administrative entity to drive programs and funding.

A work team has been formed to progress the plans and ideas and to connect with other community groups.

A motion of support for the principles of developing a disability access program was put from the floor by local woman Jan Mckenzie and passed unanimously.

David Abrahams