SHIRE OF CAMPASPE

All correspondence to:
H EADQUARTERS
Cnr Hare & Heygarth Sts
Echuca
P0 BOX 35 ECHUCA 3564
DX 62508 ECHUCA
Tel: 1300 666 535
(03) 5481 2200
Fax: (03) 5481 2290
E-mail: shire@campaspe.vic.gov.au
Website www.campaspe.vic.gov.au

27 August 2003
Dr Sev Ozdowski OAM
Acting Disability Discrimination Commissioner
GPO Box 5218
  NSW 1042

Dear Dr Ozdowski

Re: Exemption to universal access to the

I write this letter on behalf of the Shire of Campaspe seeking an exemption from the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act in relation to the provision of universal access to the historic wharf in the .

The Council has undertaken an audit of its facilities and properties within the , and has costed the works necessary to eliminate those barriers to universal access.

Of particular concern to Council is how it can achieve universal access to its paddlesteamer fleet without adversely impacting on the historical integrity of the wharf.

Options such as lifts and ramps have been considered, but these clearly impact on the historical integrity of the wharf whilst also creating a number of operational issues such as significantly changing river heights.

Apart from these factors, there is the issue of cost. The cost of the provision of a lift alone is estimated to be $400,000.

If an exemption is granted in relation to the provision of universal access, Council will provide alternative access to its paddlesteamer fleet to ensure that all people have the opportunity to experience this activity.

In relation to this, Council is working with private paddlesteamer operators to see if one access point for all paddlesteamers can be utilised.

Copies of photographs of the historic wharf are attached for your information: photo 1 photo 2.

Should you wish to discuss any of the matters raised above, please contact me on 03 5481 2242.

Yours faithfully

RALPH KOP
GENERAL MANAGER ASSETS AND PLANNING
CC F Ryan, Crs Lawler and Williams, J Andrews