E-Petition

Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House that residents of Macleay Island who are disabled, have family members with disabilities, and/or care for people with disabilities face discrimination and hardship in accessing the island's jetty in order to leave or return to the island. The existing footpaths to the jetty entrance are not navigable for those with mobility issues and other health conditions because of the steep inclines preventing them from accessing ferry services. There is no bus service. As a result, they are stranded on the island. Their right of freedom of movement (UDHR) and the right to be able to live independently (NDIS Act 2013) is being breached. Equal access to the physical environment, transportation and other facilities and services is viewed as a pre-requisite for people with disability to live independently (ADSAPT). The median age on Macleay Island is 62 (2016 Census) and trends show that it will continue to increase. With age, comes more incidence of disability and failing health, especially in the area of mobility. 

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to call upon the Minister of Transport to provide an effective Translink bus service on Macleay Island. In addition, we request the House ensure: 

• consultation with the community and the SeaLink ferries timetable in the design of the bus service;
• that the demographic of the population is taken into account in the design of the bus service; and 
• the bus service starts and ends at the Macleay Island Ferry Terminal.