A new grants program will provide up to $10,000 for organisations, delivering on the McGowan Government's election commitment to provide all-terrain wheelchairs at more locations across Western Australia.
All-terrain wheelchairs are purpose-built wheelchairs designed for outdoor environments, including sand, gravel and water.
They are used by people with mobility impairments, including people with disability, on alternative, uneven or rough terrain not otherwise accessible using conventional wheelchairs.
There are currently 47 all-terrain wheelchairs available to the public free of charge across WA through local government authorities and surf life saving clubs. The majority are located at beaches.
Disability Services Minister Don Punch said each grant awarded would be used to cover the purchase of an all-terrain wheelchair, as well as associated costs including storage for the wheelchair, signage, promotion and accompanying accessibility products such as matting.
A total of $100,000 will be available through the grants program, which will be administered by the Department of Communities.
More information on the grants program and the application process can be obtained at www.communities.wa.gov.au/accessgrants
As stated by Disability Services Minister Don Punch:
"The McGowan Government's election commitment to provide more all-terrain wheelchairs across WA will enable communities to be more inclusive and ensure our State's beautiful landscapes are accessible to everyone.
"The grants will also include funding for advertising and promotion of the all-terrain wheelchairs through multiple platforms and to local disability and allied health organisations, so people with mobility impairments know exactly where and how they can access them.
"There is already high interest in acquiring all-terrain wheelchairs for use in national parks and walking trails, and priority will be given to applications for these kinds of high-traffic tourist destinations where all-terrain wheelchairs will have the maximum impact.
"The program has the added benefit of driving tourism by improving visitor facilities and accessibility in State parks as more Western Australians opt to holiday in their home State."
