³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾

Tabatha Badger | Lead Candidate for Lyons

The Greens call on whoever is in government after the next election to commit to providing more disability access across Tasmania’s ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Parks and beaches to the tune of $3 million every year for the next four years.

“Tasmania’s ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Parks are our greatest natural asset, and deserve to be accessed and embraced by all – sadly however that is not currently possible for some.

“Only four of Tasmania’s 19 ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Parks provide adequate disability access, with the most immersive experience on offer limited to a 25 minute trip into Russell Falls at Mount Field ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Park.

“Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) has a responsibility to provide opportunities for everyone to connect with nature, and while this may not be possible across all of Tasmania’s 19 ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Parks due to their wild isolation, a plan is needed to identify areas fit for providing greater support for people with a disability.

“Providing autonomy and agency for people with disability is critical if we are to bridge the divide that exists between disabled and non-disabled people, and the government has a key role in facilitating this.

“Tasmania’s wilderness is protected so that everybody has a real and equitable opportunity to be immersed in and connected with the natural world. This includes people with a disability and they shouldn’t have to fork out huge amounts of money for exclusive experiences from private operators in our ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Parks.

“The Greens congratulate PWS on making a start to providing access-friendly sites across the state, and for providing TrailRider all-terrain wheelchairs at three of our iconic ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Parks – but there is more to be done.

“The Greens call on whoever is in government after the next election to commit to providing more disability access across Tasmania’s ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Parks and beaches, starting with a commitment of $3 million every year for the next four years.”