All roads lead to the Junee Junction Recreation and Aquatic Centre. Funding given to the Junee Shire Council has been used to remove several barriers preventing residents from visiting the centre.
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Three automatic sliding doors have been installed giving easier access to the gym, stadium and swimming pool. A solar-powered mobile electric scooter charger has also been installed and is due to come online in a couple of weeks. The work has been funded by a $67,500 grant from the state government’s liveable communities program.
Resident and Intereach AbilityLinks linker Robin Asmus helped obtain the funding.
“The original doors were heavy, taking in a pram made it very difficult to open the door,” Mr Asmus said.
Far from being just for people juggling children and prams, the new doors are also aimed at making it easier for elderly and disabled residents. Both the Leisure Company and Kurrajong Waratah bring clients to use the swimming pool.
“It’s a physical barrier which has been lifted, if someone can’t access something comfortably, they won’t visit,” Mr Asmus said.
Mayor Neil Smith said he wanted to see more buildings improve access.
“We have this aging population, I’ve always had the view that we need to provide access for the community,” Councillor Smith said.
“People can go out and mix with people and there’s so many advantages just from accessing a public building. Anyone interested in improving access to their business can contact council to help.”
Grant funding was due to expire next month and Cr Smith said it had been extended as council works with local businesses to build ramps into businesses.