Gosford TAFE is set to receive $175,499 as part of a $13.5M NSW Government investment in replacing lifts at TAFE campuses around the state.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, Geoff Lee, said the largest lift replacement program ever undertaken in Australia would see 60 lifts replaced across 29 campuses to improve accessibility and provide greater convenience for students.
“This unprecedented investment in next-generation elevators demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to meeting the needs of students and employees, including those with a disability, by providing new, modern facilities,” Lee said.
“As part of the ground breaking program, more than a quarter of all TAFE NSW lifts will be replaced with premium DX Connected Elevators.
“This will help future-proof the network of campuses, increase energy-efficiency, and provide ease of access to classrooms and buildings for students and staff for years to come.
“Around one in 10 TAFE NSW students identify as having a disability, of which around 7 per cent identify a physical disability, so these upgrades will have a positive, tangible impact for thousands of students.”
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services, Alister Henskens, said the program was an example of the Government’s commitment to create more inclusive and accessible communities.
“By making our TAFE campuses accessible this program will ensure equal access to opportunity for people with a disability by allowing them to undertake training or study,” Henskens said.
“This is a great example of a Disability Inclusion Action Plan creating more inclusive and accessible communities.”
KONE Australia Managing Director, Jerome Audais, said modernising elevators can result in energy savings of up to 70 per cent.
“Along with the host of other benefits of a digitally connected lift, the DX will transform the efficiency, safety and sustainability of TAFE buildings,” he said. The Lift Renewal Program will commence in September.
Source:
Media release, Jul 23
TAFE NSW