QLD commits $500M to new Accessible Transport Advisory Council

The new independent Accessible Transport Advisory Council has been established in Queensland to advise the government on accessibility for transport and road projects.

Retired District Court Judge Michael Forde has been chosen to chair the council.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the group would give a stronger voice to people with vision, hearing, physical or cognitive impairments as well as older people, parents and youth justice groups.

“As part of Queensland’s economic recovery plan, the Palaszczuk Government is investing an additional $136 million for accessibility upgrades at Bundamba, Burpengary, Banyo and Wooloowin train stations which will include full platform raising, setting a new standard for all future station upgrades to be delivered by Queensland Rail,” Bailey said.

“This new funding means we’re now investing close to $500 million to make our stations across the south east more accessible, but we know more can be done.”

With a pipeline of $23 billion for infrastructure projects Bailey said the independent body will provide frank and expert advice on how to make each project accessible for all Queenslanders.

The expressions of interest process has now opened for membership on the council which will run until mid-November.

Council Chair Michael Forde said this is the first step in ensuring persons with a disability will have the opportunity to be represented in a formal capacity for future infrastructure in Queensland.

“This will be a template for all transport infrastructure, requiring the council be formally consulted before the finalisations of any plans. This will apply to all forms of transport,” Forde said.

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