Wheelchair Pilots Chart 420km of Accessible Routes

Townsville City Council continues to invest in improving accessibility and expanding knowledge of the city's active transport network, with significant new pathway data added to its inclusivity-focused Mobility in Townsville Map following assessments completed in 2025.

Originally launched in 2019, the Mobility in Townsville Map supports wheelchair users and people with limited mobility by providing practical, experience‑based information to help plan travel throughout the city.

The project tracks accessibility, pathway difficulty levels and connections between key destinations, with data informed directly by wheelchair users navigating the city.

It was a Queensland first at the time and, seven years since its launch, the Mobility in Townsville Map continues to grow.

Wheelchair pilots were again deployed in 2025 to analyse pathways across Magnetic Island, Rowes Bay, Pallarenda, Deeragun, Burdell, Kelso, Rasmussen, Condon and Heatley.

Further mapping was also completed within the CBD and along The Strand, with the project adding to existing information that now covers more than 420 km of pathway across the city.

Division 5 Councillor and Council's Inclusive Communities Advisory Committee Chair, Vera Dirou, said the ongoing expansion of the Mobility Map reflected Council's commitment to accessibility and inclusive infrastructure planning.

"The Mobility Map has become an important tool for residents and visitors who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids such as scooters, walkers and prams, giving them greater confidence to plan journeys and access local destinations with relative ease," Cr Dirou said.

"What makes this project particularly valuable is that the information is based on the real-life experience of wheelchair users, not assumptions based on maps or computer-generated data.

"By continuing to add new areas and pathway data, Council is building a clearer picture of how people move through our city and where improvements can continue to be made."

Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto said it was important to include all ability access in planning as the city continues to grow.

"It's great to see more accessibility data added to the Mobility in Townsville Map, particularly for the CBD, which we want all locals and visitors alike to use and enjoy," Cr Dametto said.

"Expanding the map to key leisure and tourism areas like Magnetic Island, Rowes Bay and Pallarenda is another strong step towards making our city accessible for people of all abilities.

"Council will continue using this information to guide accessibility improvements and inform future planning."

Natalie Verdon, CEO of accessible mapping specialist company Briometrix, said the project demonstrates how accessibility and economic development could work hand in hand.

"By providing Council with greater insight into how people move through key destinations, we are helping create a more inclusive city that is easier to navigate and delivers improved planning, enhanced access and stronger experiences for residents and visitors alike," she said.

Spinal Life Australia CEO Mark Townend said the organisation was proud to have been involved in the project throughout its delivery.

"Townsville City Council is leading the way in involving people with disability to capture and display data about accessibility to improve the lives of all residents and visitors to the city," he said.

"We congratulate Council on their initiative in using innovative technology to enable people with disability to fully participate in community life.

"Our organisation has supported this initiative since the start and looks forward to supporting Council to continue to deliver benefits for all."

The Mobility in Townsville Map is available online via Council's website.