New bus drives better access for Napranum

The Napranum community is celebrating the arrival of a new $100,000 bus which is accessible to people in wheelchairs and walkers.
 
Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe inspected the new State Government-funded bus today while in Napranum with Mayor Rex Burke.
 
“I applaud the Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council for seeing the need for this bus to improve its aged care and disability services,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
 
“The bus has already had its first outings, taking people into town and to other activities.
 
“It’s a great new asset for the local community and will help residents to get out and about, while improving access to local services.

“The Palaszczuk Government is pleased to be partnering with Council to enhance local transport options for Napranum residents.”
 
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said:

“This funding will provide a 10 to12 seater bus fitted with seats on sliding rails allowing capacity for up to six wheelchair-bound passengers and an electric wheelchair lift.
 
“It’s a great outcome for the local community and I want to congratulate Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council for advocating for this important new asset.

“These additional funds will ensure the Napranum Aged and Disability Service can better cater for the needs of the local community.”

Ms Lui said the funding from the Palaszczuk Government’s Indigenous Local Government Sustainability Program 2016-18 (ILGSP) would also enable Council to upgrade a number of computer systems to manage its assets and finances.
 
Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Rex Burke welcomed the Minister’s visit. 

“This bus will provide a much-needed degree of freedom to those groups in Napranum that need it most,” Mayor Burke said.

“Without the bus, many would be left without access to recreation, medical care, cultural events, shopping and services. 

“It can also give these groups an important social platform, when they would otherwise be isolated from family and friends.” 

Queensland’s 16 Indigenous local governments have each been allocated more than $500,000 through the Palaszczuk Government’s Indigenous Local Government Sustainability Program 2016-18, which has funded the new bus.   

For more information: www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/ilgsp

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548