Stock image.
Camera IconStock image. Credit: Supplied/Getty Images/iStockphoto

City of Wanneroo widens barrier gap to allow gopher access

Lucy JarvisWanneroo Times

A WIDER gap has been created between barriers on a Wanneroo path to allow gophers to get through.

Wanneroo Council approved the changes to relocate U-rails on the public accessway linking the corner of Belgrade and Elizabeth roads to Bamboore Crescent at its November meeting.

The decision followed a 30-signature petition requesting the City move the rails that was submitted in September.

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“Several residents in Belgrade retirement village have gophers,” the petition said.

“It would be a lot shorter to the shopping centre if we could use this path, so we would like these rails to be moved.”

A report to the council said staff and residents met onsite and agreed modifying the existing rails would make it easier for people with prams, wheelchairs and other mobility aids to use the path.

“Those people were using a long way around,” Councillor Dot Newton said.

The City of Wanneroo agreed to relocate path barriers so gophers could get through.
Camera IconThe City of Wanneroo agreed to relocate path barriers so gophers could get through. Credit: Supplied/Lucy Jarvis

“A small modification will make life so much better.

“The railings that we put in just don’t accommodate those gophers.”

Cr Newton said it was an opportunity to look at other public access ways near retirement complexes.

Councillors unanimously approved installing U-rails that complied with the Disability Discrimination Act.

The report noted the change would not stop motorcycles illegally using the path, and if that became an issue, staff would contact police.