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The City of Whyalla is listening and has moved to solve an issue outside the new Novita Hub on Forsyth Street.
Comments from a resident were posted on our Facebook site expressing their frustration over a parking and access issue at the hub for those in wheelchairs. Council crews placed a temporary ramp in place on Wednesday, the day after receiving the resident’s complaint, while temporary disabled parking and signs have been in place since late last year.
After being contacted by Novita late last year, Council has been working with the organisation to sort out a permanent solution to these issues. The current parking needs to be widened and permanent ramps installed to be compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act requirements.
Initial plans involve expanding the car parking space and putting in three ramps with the best possible safety features. A contractor has already been consulted about the logistics of the work required.
Council will now conduct public consultation, as required by legislation, to finalise a permanent solution. Forms calling for public feedback will be sent out to the immediate area in letter box drop this week.
Council CEO Chris Cowley said completion of the consultation and construction process would be no later than mid April.
“Council is aware of the situation outside the Novita Hub and thanks the resident and others for raising this issue and reporting it,” Council CEO Chris Cowley said.
“The permanent solution has taken longer than we would have liked.
“But we heard the call loud and clear and we encourage residents to point these things out and report areas of concern in our community.”
Residents can make enquiries or report issues via the Council’s customer request line http://www.whyalla.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=774 or by calling all hours on 8640 3444.
The My Local Services app also has a function where residents can make enquiries or report and attached a photo. You can download if free from http://www.lga.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=4099
Facebook is not the most efficient platform to raise these issues as it is not linked to the relevant departments.
Picture: The temporary ramp and a disabled parking sign outside the Novita building in Forsyth Street.