Townsville council candidate Joanne Keune has announced an urgent commitment to overhaul accessibility across the city, targeting improvements for vulnerable and disadvantaged residents. The pledge comes as part of her campaign platform focused on creating a more inclusive community.
Comprehensive Accessibility Plan Unveiled
Keune's proposed reforms address multiple areas of concern for residents with mobility challenges and disabilities. The candidate emphasized that current infrastructure often fails to meet basic accessibility standards, creating barriers for many community members.
Central to her plan is conducting an immediate audit of all public facilities, including parks, council buildings, and footpaths. This assessment would identify the most pressing accessibility issues requiring attention. Keune stressed that the audit would be completed within her first 100 days if elected to council.
Focus on Vulnerable Community Members
The accessibility overhaul specifically targets improvements for elderly residents, people with disabilities, and those facing economic disadvantages. Keune highlighted that these groups often experience the greatest challenges navigating public spaces and accessing essential services.
Her proposal includes installing more ramps, improving footpath surfaces, ensuring public toilets meet disability standards, and enhancing access to public transportation. The plan also addresses the need for better lighting in public areas and more accessible parking facilities throughout Townsville.
Community Consultation and Implementation
Keune has committed to extensive community consultation throughout the planning and implementation process. She emphasized that residents with lived experience of accessibility challenges would play a central role in shaping the reforms.
The candidate outlined a phased approach to implementation, beginning with the most critical infrastructure upgrades. She also proposed establishing an ongoing accessibility committee comprising community members, disability advocates, and council representatives to ensure continuous improvement.
Funding for the initiatives would be prioritized within the council budget, with Keune noting that creating an accessible city is not just a moral imperative but also makes economic sense by enabling fuller participation in community life.
