The water corporation has been working with various councils and government agencies to increase the number of all ability facilities at its storages.
G-MW recreation and land officer Chris Braden said considerable progress had been made in making G-MW storages more inclusive.
“Across our dams, lakes, and reservoirs, we have 20 all-ability toilet blocks and eight all-ability barbecues,” he said.
“At locations with these facilities, there are also parking options and the pathways between the amenities are suitable for people of all abilities.
“It’s great to see agencies working together to improve accessibility, and it is certainly an area we are looking to improve further.”
G-MW managed storages with all ability facilities include Lake Mulwala, Dartmouth Dam, Lake Buffalo, Lake William Hovell, Torumbarry Weir, Lake Eildon, Waranga Basin, Greens Lake, Lake Eppalock and Cairn Curran.
Lake Eppalock has all-ability toilets and barbecues — which are designed so there is space below the hotplate, meaning they are easier to use for people in wheelchairs — at both Randalls Cove and Kimbolton Recreation Area.
Kimbolton Recreation Area is frequented by disability support group Windarring’s Bendigo Team.
“It’s a great location and a place our clients really enjoy visiting,” Windarring Bendigo team leader Phil Walsh said.
“Having all-abilities at places like Kimbolton is so important, as they give people with disabilities improved access in where they can visit and what activities they can enjoy.”
With the support of other agencies — including Better Boating Victoria, Transport Safety
Victoria, and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action — G-MW is looking to continue increasing the amount of-all abilities facilities at its storages.
“We are eager to do what we can to make sure people of all abilities can visit our storages and have a great time and improving the facilities available is the best way to achieve this,” Mr Braden said.
“The all-abilities facilities that have been established at our storages in recent years have been very well used. These facilities are invaluable, as they open up recreation areas people with disabilities might not otherwise be able to enjoy.”
A list of all-ability facilities at G-MW storages is available at: https://www.g-mwater.com.au/all-ability-facilities
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