GREATER Dandenong Council has taken a “first step” to fixing a glut of disability-access problems in central Dandenong, Cr Matthew Kirwan says.
Last Monday, councillors unanimously supported Cr Kirwan’s motion that officers investigate 14 concerns raised by disability advocates.
The list, as exclusively reported in the Journal this month, included uneven cobblestone pavers in Lonsdale Street parking bays, inaudible pedestrian signals near Dandenong station and a lack of wheelchair access at the McCrae Street taxi rank.
The to-do list suggests the reintroduction of a consultative group.
“It is only the first step in rectifying these issues in central Dandenong for people with a disability,” Cr Kirwan said. “Whatever the final outcome, [it’s] a recognition of the importance of these issues.”
He thanked Disability Resource Centre co-ordinator Katrina Newman and disability advocate Sharon Harris, as well as the Journal, for raising the issues.
Ms Harris said it was wrong to prioritise fixing the Noble Park footpath in a separate motion (see story above) above other hazardous spots in central Dandenong.
—Cameron Lucadou-Wells
