A campaign for an accessible playground in the Mountains has been rewarded, with deputy Labor leader Tanya Plibersek promising $1 million to make it happen.
Macquarie MP, Susan Templeman, joined Springwood mother of four, Jane Renneberg-Bles, to launch an online petition on February 7, to push for the first fully inclusive playground in the Mountains. More than 1800 people signed the petition in support.
“All children deserve to play – no matter what their abilities are," Ms Templeman said at the time. "By not having inclusive public spaces, we have exclusive ones – and that is not what we are about here in the Mountains."
Last week Ms Plibersek said if a Shorten Labor government was elected they would provide $1million for the fully inclusive playground for the Mountains and a further $10,000 for sensory play equipment at Springwood Public School "so Springwood P and C can do better for kids with disabilities".
"Susan is a very convincing advocate ... she's managed to secure a million dollars to build the playground," Ms Plibersek said.
Ms Templeman said the funding was a huge win for the Mountains and she would work with council and the community to deliver it.
"A Shorten Labor government will work with Blue Mountains City Council to ensure this is built, and determine where, but not before we hear exactly what the community wants. We have to get this right. And BMCC has shown a strong commitment to enhancing inclusion in is parks and playgrounds," she said.
"Everyone in our community ... deserves to have their say on what our new playground should include - there will be a full community consultation process."
Ms Renneberg-Bles, whose four children have additional needs, called it "just the best news, I can't wait to tell the P and C".
“When you have children with additional needs, you’re very restricted with where you can go for outings. Many children need sensory integration to be more regulated within themselves and this in turn makes them calmer and more engaged.
"This is going to mean the world to our community and for all the future generations to come. It's wonderful to know you are listened to and that when the community comes together for such an important cause - big and wonderful things can happen.
The 400- student Springwood Public School has three support unit classes and their P and C has been a driving force providing the first stage of their own purpose built, sensory play equipment.
Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said council will engage designers who are "expert in the field" and work closely with Ms Templeman on issues like location.
