Accessibility to be bolstered in Bunbury with new all-terrain motorised wheelchair attachment

Bunbury’s accessibility is on the right track, with the disability community set for the summer of their lives thanks to a new motorised wheelchair device.

On Thursday morning, the City of Bunbury unveiled it’s new Freedom Trax motorised, all-terrain wheelchair attachment purchased with a $10,000 State Government grant.

Designed with two tank-like tracks, the unique attachment is able to easily glide over soft sand, dirt, grass, wood chips and gravel.

Controlled by a joystick, the device allows users to move independently and will enable access to many of Bunbury’s natural attractions including Koombana Bay, Back Beach, the Leschenault Inlet, Mangrove Cove and more.

Disability Services Minister Don Punch said it would make a “big difference” in the community.

“Its really great to see technology being applied in a way that builds inclusion and builds accessibility and enables people to get out and really enjoy themselves,” he said.

“For people who use a wheelchair to be able to get on the beach and join their friends or have that option, that’s the big thing, that’s what inclusion is about.”

The Freedom Trax device is easy for users, attaching to a manual wheelchair to maintain their comfort.

South West para-athlete Cory Crombie demonstrated the device at the opening event, saying it was a ”pretty cool” gadget to have in Bunbury.

“It was really good to be able to hop up in my chair, I don’t have to use a different chair and then I can move around anywhere under my own control and go where I want; it’s just point and go,” he said.

“The independence of the Freedom Trax is great because you just hop on, you control where you want to go, and you don’t need someone to push you ... you can get around wherever you need all by yourself.”

To be housed at the Dolphin Discovery Centre, those interested in utilising the device can book by contacting the centre.