Wheelchair users can now explore Bunbury like never before following funding for the all-terrain Freedom Trax

Wheelchair users will have the opportunity to explore some of the South West’s best off-track attractions as Bunbury becomes the newest recipient of funding for an all-terrain wheelchair attachment. Disability Services Minister Don Punch announced $10,000 in funding for the City of Bunbury last week which will go towards the purchase of a Freedom Trax. Freedom Trax is a motorised attachment for wheelchairs to allow off-road mobility. It transforms a traditional wheelchair into a all-terrain vehicle designed for outdoor environments including sand, gravel and water. Housed at the Dolphin Discovery Centre, the Freedom Trax will support people with a disability to move independently to explore Koombana Bay, Back Beach, the Leschenault Inlet, Mangrove Cove, Maidens Park and Manea Park, as well as surrounding trails, parks and beaches. The City of Bunbury is one of 12 groups across WA to receive a total of $100,000 in funding to purchase all terrain wheelchairs to improve disability access across WA for tourism and community outreach. Disability Services Minister Don Punch said the access to the Freedom Trax will allow increased access for people with a disability which wasn’t previously provided. “Improving the availability of all-terrain wheelchairs at National Parks and beautiful beaches . . . will support people with disability to connect to their community and increase participation in recreation activities in the natural environment,” he said. “Having access to the outdoor environment and the activities that go with it is a key part of an inclusive community, and I am pleased WA communities will be more accessible and inclusive thanks to the delivery of this election commitment.” Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel said the access to funding will be a milestone for introducing better support to people with a disability in the South West community. “The city aims to be welcoming and full of opportunities, which expands to every single member of our community. We want all of our facilities and services to be accessible and inclusive for everyone,” he said. “The city is committed to improving the access and inclusion in Bunbury across all sectors, the city aims to go over and above when it comes to access and inclusion in Bunbury.” Mr Miguel said Bunbury will consider expanding the number of Freedom Trax wheelchairs depending on their popularity. “There is always opportunity to expand the amount of wheelchairs, this will be subject to the success of this device in terms of usage and functionality,” he said.