A VEHICLE pool trial providing people with disability in the Lower South West region with more transport options will continue for another year with $654,425 provided by the Liberal National Government.
The South West Wheels program was developed in July 2015 through a partnership between the Disability Services Commission and the not-for- profit Western Australian Motor Industry Foundation.
It provides flexible, low-cost access to individualised transport to people with disability living in Manjimup, Busselton and Donnybrook and surrounding areas.
Disability Services Minister Donna Faragher said people with disability who were eligible for Disability Services Commission support could access the service, which provides wheelchair accessible vans and sedans and smaller vehicles with wheelchair carriers for a small fee.
Mrs Faragher said demand for the South West Wheels service continued to grow, with 380 vehicle bookings in its first 10 months of operation.
“South West Wheels provides an innovative transport service for people with disability, their families and carers living in the Lower South West region,” she said.
“Not having access to a vehicle, particularly an appropriately equipped vehicle, can restrict a person with disability from fully participating and enjoying community life.
“The availability of these vehicles means people with disability in this area can go out and do the things many of us take for granted, like travel to the doctor or other appointments and social outings.”
From July 1, 2016, the South West Wheels fleet will include 15 vehicles, available from regional centres including Manjimup, Busselton and Donnybrook.
