By Paul Dunlop
‘DISABILITYfriendly’ doors at the Cardinia Cultural Centre are to be removed — because people in wheelchairs can’t open them.
Complaints from residents have prompted council to agree to install automated doors at the entrance to the landmark Pakenham building.
The cultural centre is among a number of public facilities in the spotlight because of concerns about access for people with disability.
Despite complying with the Building Control Act and other appropriate regulations, wheelchairbound residents maintain they are not userfriendly.
Pakenham man John Thomson is one person who has trouble getting where he wants to go.
Mr Thomson said he had tried to attend functions at the cultural centre, but couldn’t get in through its large glass doors.
It was a similar situation at the new Services Central building in Henry Street, he said.
Mr Thomson acknowledged the cultural centre and other buildings were certified ‘disabilityfriendly’ but did not believe the regulations went far enough.
“I should have rights the same as an ablebodied person,” he said.
“It’s frustrating. I can’t get in the door unless someone is there to open it for me. I can’t get in by myself. I know there are other people around who find it difficult. I appreciate they conform to building regulations but the regulations are obviously inadequate. Just because it passes that test, doesn’t mean it’s acceptable to just leave it like it is.”
Central Ward councillor Brett Owen raised the issue at a recent council meeting saying he was concerned about access at the cultural centre and Services Central.
General manager of assets and development services Michael Ellis said quotes were being obtained for the installation of automatic doors at the cultural centre.
Services Central was considered to have good disability access, he said.
Cr Owen said several people had contacted him with concerns. He said he believed council could do more to make life easier for residents in wheelchairs.
“We are complying (with regulations) but I think as a council we could do better,” he said.
Cr Kate Lempriere said she was also concerned about disability access. Cr Lempriere, who chairs the cultural centre’s management committee, said council was taking the initiative by agreeing to replace the doors.
“People have complained and we are reacting by trying to do something positive,” she said.
Mr Thomson congratulated the council for acknowledging the problem and taking steps to have the doors replaced.
Mr Thomson said he had joined Cardinia’s disability advisory group, at council’s invitation, to have a stronger influence on shaping shire policy.
“I want to make a positive contribution, I don’t want to be negative,” he said.