Access and Mobility

Accessibility in Blayney Shire

Equal access to all facilities and services within our local government area is not only considered, but incorporated into any future planning.  Broader disability and accessibility related issues are well considered to ensure that the Shire is inclusive, accessible and equitable to all members of our community.

At Council we strive to:

• Ensure equity and accessibility is provided through services and facilities;
• Promote accessibility through advocacy, within Council and the wider community as well as a positive awareness of disability issues;
• Encourage and support initiatives that promote equal access opportunities;
• Keep staff trained;
• Assist in educating the community to create greater awareness of access and mobility issues

The Blayney Shire Access Committee has been instrumental in development of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan and Missed Business Brochure among other initiatives.

Tips for making your event more accessible (PDF 598.9KB)

Disability Inclusion Action Plan

Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017-21 has been developed in accordance with the NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014 and with community consultation and engagement, particularly with people with disability. The Plan sets out Council’s actions to support inclusion of people with disability. The Plan covers four main areas:

• Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours
• Creating liveable communities
• Supporting access to meaningful employment
• Improving access to mainstream services through better systems and processes

The Disability Inclusion Action Plan provides the framework for Blayney Shire Council to raise awareness across Council and the community. 

The Disability Inclusion Action Plan underpins Council’s commitment to providing quality facilities and services that enable people with disability to fully participate in our communities. The plan will also assist in raising community awareness helping to make Blayney Shire more accessible for all community members.

Liberty Swing

The Liberty Swing is a world-first Australian innovation – a swing that allows people in wheelchairs the opportunity to experience the joy of having a swing in the park. It is the only swing of its type that is fully lockable and allows a maximum swing height – that is, really swinging, not just rocking back and forth.

Blayney Shire Council is pleased to provide a Liberty Swing, located in Heritage Park, Adelaide Street, Blayney.

Conditions of Use
• Please ensure that all instructions are read prior to use;
• The carer/supervisor is to remain in the swing area with the occupant at all times;
• The carer/supervisor must be over 16 years of age;
• The maximum combined weight of the occupant and the wheelchair must not exceed 200kgs.

Keys
The Liberty Swing is locked with a special key, known as a MLAK key. This key also provides access for people with disabilities to public amenities across New South Wales, Australia and also ensures swing security when not in use. The key is used to access the safety belt compartment and importantly, to release the ramp for the swing to become operational.

Operating Instructions
To start the ride:
1. Reverse the Wheelchair into the capsule as far as possible and apply brakes or disconnect power. Alternately, the built-in seat may be used without a wheelchair. Assemble seat as shown in the diagram, seat occupant and fit seatbelt.
2. For wheelchair use, attach the wheel restraint chain to the wheel by passing the chain through the wheel and pulling it back tight over the hook, tension by turning the knob clockwise. NOTE: If chain is loose release knob and pull the chain tighter over the hook, then tension chain again by turning the knob clockwise. On some chairs you may have to secure the chair by using the steel structure under the chair.
3. The seatbelt is located in the box at the back of the capsule. Secure the occupant by using the side support anchor points.
4. Unlock the on/off device by using the key as issued by Council and lift to release swing.
5. To push swing, stand to the side of the swing in the area marked (not at the back).

To finish the ride:
1. Replace the on/off device by lifting and pulling the capsule towards the on/off device and lowering into the lock position.
2. Remove the seatbelt and place back in the box.
3. Unlock the wheels and remove chains.
4. Release brakes.
5. Exit Swing.

For more information please phone Council's Administration Centre on (02) 6368 2104.
Disclaimer: Blayney  Shire Council disclaims liability for any injury, loss or damage as a result of inappropriate use of the Liberty Swing.

Australian Standards Compliance:
AS 1924 Part 1 General Requirements 
AS 1924 Part 2 Design and Construction Safety Aspects 
AS 2555 Guide to Siting, Installation and Maintenance 
AS/NZS 4422: 1996
AS/NZS 4486 Part 1-1997