On a roll: project maps out easier path
Keep your eye out for wheelchair “pilots” across the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Sunshine Coast Council has engaged experts Briometrix to do more mobility mapping, this time at Palmwoods, Buderim, Woombye and Landsborough from March 17.
Wheelchairs with specially trained “pilots” and tracking devices are mapping how easy - or difficult - it is for those in wheelchairs, pushing prams, using mobility aids or with vision impairment, to get around certain areas.
The information will be incorporated into Sunshine Coast Council’s mobility maps and help inform footpath refurbishment and upgrades to improve accessibility.
The areas mapped to date are Alexandra Headland, Beerwah, Birtinya (Sunshine Coast University Hospital and Kawana Stadium), Buddina, Caloundra, Coolum, Cotton Tree, Currimundi, Kawana, Maleny, Maroochydore, Montville, Mooloolaba and Nambour.
Making life easier
Sunshine Coast Council Strong Community Portfolio and Division 10 Councillor David Law said the revolutionary project was making life easier for people of all abilities.
“The mobility maps provide easy wayfinding information for all in our community, including those with toddlers in tow, the elderly, people using wheelchairs, mobility aids and the vision impaired,” Cr Law said.
“The maps are easy to use on your computer or handheld device, so you can check accessible parking locations, transport stops, toilet and changing facilities, even things like entries into restaurants, hotels and other attractions, boardwalks, beach mats, lift locations, as well as finding the best route between them.
“Equity and inclusion are key principles of our Council’s values, which is why this project is essential in identifying accessible routes suitable for everyone.
“While many people can simply decide to visit a new place and just go, those living with limited mobility face so many challenges that make it too difficult to contemplate visiting somewhere new.
“Mobility maps give them the tools to plan and be confident for a successful trip to a new place and experience.
“Our mobility maps are easy to use and help ensure that no matter what age, ability or mobility, everyone has the opportunity to enjoy all that our beautiful region has to offer.”
Find your best path, according to your needs and ability on Council’s website.
Other tools to help you ‘know before you go’
Council has also joined forced with local technology company Cérge, to improve access and inclusion for Council spaces that showcase arts, entertainment, environmental activities, sport and recreation.
A series of accessible tools have been developed so people can "know before they go" and understand venue accessibility ahead of time.
These can include a 360-degree Virtual Tour, Visual Story & Sensory Guide and Audio Guide.
Cérge has also connected with Council’s Accessible Beach program and very soon a ‘visual story’ will be available to illustrate where and how to book and collect a beach wheelchair, how to use it and what to do on return.
“We are moving through our community and sport venues to help make our Council venues more accessible thanks to this partnership with a forward-thinking local business,” Cr Law said.
“This is a significant step towards becoming more inclusive as our region prepares to host inclusive sports events like the Australian Deaf Games in 2026, Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Para-cycling Road World Championships in 2028 and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Links to the Cérge Customer app
Mobility Maps background
In February 2022, Council undertook a pilot project which used modern mapping-technology and specially trained local “pilots” to track routes from Maroochydore to Mooloolaba.
Since then, more maps have been developed for the health precinct at Birtinya, Kawana, Caloundra and our hinterland areas.
Council partnered with Briometrix and Spinal Life Australia to undertake the project – both leading providers of technology solutions for people with disabilities.
This innovative project moves away from dated paper-based accessibility maps, with online maps now live on Council’s website to provide instant, interactive, sustainable and dynamic navigational maps for everyone in our community.
The Mobility Map project was named the 2022 Productivity through Infrastructure Award Winner in the National Awards for Local Government.
For more information about the pilot program search Mobility Maps on Council’s website.