Source: Government of Western Australia
The City of Wanneroo’s first mobility map is set to improve access to the Wanneroo town centre for those with limited mobility.
Developed in partnership with accessibility specialists Briometrix, the mobility map connects Wanneroo to a growing national network of mobility mapped locations using innovative accessibility data.
The map will help residents and visitors choose paths that best suit their mobility needs, including people who use wheelchairs, mobility aids, prams or simply prefer flatter, smoother surfaces.
To gather the data, trained wheelchair pilots travelled along 37km of footpaths using smart sensors that measure real world conditions from the perspective of a person with limited mobility.
Wanneroo Town Centre is the first area in the City to be published, with Clarkson, Yanchep and Girrawheen planned for future mapping.
Mayor Linda Aitken said the new mobility map helped the community plan safer, easier routes.
“We’re excited to share the new mobility map for the Wanneroo town centre, a tool designed to help you move around your community with confidence,” she said.
“Using real data collected by trained wheelchair pilots, the map shows how challenging each footpath may be, so you can choose the route that feels right for you.
“Mobility mapping across our key activity centres highlights the City’s commitment to making the community more inclusive and accessible for everyone.”
Former City of Wanneroo Disability Access and Inclusion Advisory Group Member Andrew Fairbairn was a wheelchair pilot for the project and said mapping the City’s town centres was a great idea.
“As a wheelchair user, I know how different features like gradients, surfaces and ramps can make a real difference for people with mobility challenges and can help them navigate public spaces with greater confidence and safety,” he said.
“But this map is not just for wheelchair users, the City of Wanneroo has a lot of older residents, people using walkers, as well as new parents with prams.
“A good, connected path network can help everyone – if people can see pathway access set out on a website, that can help with planning an outing and make journeys smoother.”
You can explore the Wanneroo Town Centre Mobility Map using any smartphone, tablet or computer.
During the mapping, some accessibility issues were identified and will be addressed through the City’s existing works and upgrade programs.
If you notice an accessibility issue during your journey, we encourage you to contact the City and let us know on 9405 5000.