By Corey Everitt
The draft budget has left people with disabilities behind – a councillor has raised – as $240,000 into disability upgrades could potentially be removed for the next financial year.
Cr Radford moved the motion to endorse the budget, but used her speaking rights to staunchly expose the cut of funding from a program providing upgrades to make the shire more accessible.
“I do agree with this in principle, but I have to state here that I am disappointed at the removal of the access upgrade program which was at an approximate cost of $240,000,” Cr Radford said.
“The purpose of this access upgrade program is to enable all residents of Cardinia Shire to participate in aspects of life.
“This was improving existing facilities that people with disability, lived experience, had reported they had issues with and taking this program from the capital works program I don’t believe meets our council plan or livability plan.”
The program is purposed to upgrade parts of communication, information, facilities and services in the shire to provide better access for people with disabilities.
The program has completed numerous projects to make facilities more accessible at such places like the Beaconsfield-Officer Scout Park, Kooweerup Outdoor Pool, Garfield Bowls Club and much more.
Cr Radford also noted that the council’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee was not consulted on this removal of funding which has specific input on matters of accessibility.
“They have lived experience with using all the facilities within the capital works program and it’s important to hear from them directly,” Cr Radford said.
“I feel like we are removing their voice by removing this line item and to a minority group that is something they experience often and it’s not good enough on council to be doing the same thing.”
Mayor Kowarzik responded to the issue and said the budget is always a balance.
“I do take the point from Cr Radford that of course there are many other versions and variations on what people would like to see council spend our money on,” Mayor Kowarzik said.
“That’s the point of why we do this, is that’s not my decision or really anyone at this table, it’s collectively all of our decision.
“By making those hard decisions and Cr Radford identified one example, it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. It does give our community an opportunity to talk about the Cardinia Shire they want to see.”
Cr Radford stated she will be making a submission to have the program reinstated in the finalised budget.
