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Action on Pine Rivers footpaths to boost access

04 Feb 12

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Russell Simonds

ROCKY PATH: Russell Simonds says some footpaths pose problems for people using scooters Picture: Chris Higgins Source: Quest Newspapers

Footpaths in four suburbs are priorities for upgrades to improve access for mothers with prams and people in motorised scooters.

Councillor Mick Gillam (Div 8) said Strathpine and Lawnton were at the top of the list, followed by Joyner and Warner. “I am already looking at next year’s roads and footpath works to get footpaths in where there are not any at the moment,” Cr Gillam said. “The newer areas are not too bad because with new developments, the developers usually put the footpaths in. “Then it is just up to us (the council) to link those with the existing ones.” Russell Simonds, a cerebral palsy sufferer, said he relied on his motorised scooter “to get around town” and footpaths made that daily task a lot easier.
“If there are no footpaths there I have to go on the road or I don’t go,” he said.

“If I do have to go on the road I try to go towards the traffic so I can go but it’s very rarely I do that because it is quite scary.” Jan Brown, the administration manager of Brendale-based mobility aid chain Walk On Wheels, said footpaths reduced damage. “A lot of the scooters rely on the small caster at the front but if they can’t get up on the path or hit big rivets they could burn the motor out,” Ms Brown said. “Luckily they know the damage and will then just go on the road. “The main damage is to the tyres which can cost between $200 and $300 for each one.” Cr Gillam invited people to contact him if they knew of a problem footpath.

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