The ACT Government installed new wheelchair accessible barbeques at two of Canberra’s most popular summer hotspots, Pine Island and the Cotter Bend to make our parks and reserves more inclusive for everyone.

Minister for Disability, Suzanne Orr said the new barbeques demonstrate the ACT Government’s commitment to creating a more accessible and inclusive community.

“Being able to enjoy our public spaces and facilities is something many people take for granted. This initiative by the ACT Parks and Conservation team is a great example of how we can make everyday facilities more accessible for everyone to enjoy,” Minister Orr said.

“We know that one in five people in our community experience some form of disability, and everyone at some stage in their lives will find themselves with a permanent, situational or age-related access need.”

“We’re making Canberra’s parks and reserves more wheelchair friendly and with the weather getting warmer, now is the perfect time to head out to Pine Island and the Cotter Bend with family and friends to test them out,” said Minister Orr.

Director, ACT Parks and Conservation Service, Justin Foley said ACT Parks and Conservation is dedicated to connecting visitors and locals with nature and helping them explore Canberra’s many parks and reserves.

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy Canberra’s many parks and reserves so when it was time to replace the old barbecues at Pine Island and Cotter Bend, we saw this as a great opportunity to install facilities that are more accessible to everyone.”

“This is just one of the many ways our team is helping Canberrans and other visitors explore Canberra’s outstanding natural environment.”

More information about Canberra’s parks and reserves is available on the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate website at: www.environment.act.gov.au/ACT-parks-conservation

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