The Toowoomba online CBD accessibility map has been delivered as a collaboration with Briometrix. The online map provides users with a variety of helpful details, including its unique 'effort-based' mobility ratings as an aid in wayfinding for people in wheelchairs. Colour-coded 'effort ratings' provide an invaluable guide to accessible routes based on each individual’s capacity. The routes are also popular with parents pushing strollers, children on scooters as well as less mobile elderly citizens and e-scooters.

Using sophisticated sensors on their chairs, Briometrix’ team of wheelchair pilots surveyed the footpaths and parklands within a portion Toowoomba CBD. They measured footpath gradient, cross slope, surface type and condition, kerb ramps, intersections, trip hazards and obstructions. As well as creating the “effort-based” mobility maps, more detailed footpath information will help Council in the future to identify and rectify potential risks for footpath users.

Local pilots were used to capture the data necessary for the map and included Bryan Flemming and Beven Kearsley.

“We are mapping the footpaths for accessibility. It’s not only us (wheelchair users), we’re getting a lot of ageing population with wheelie-walkers and mobility scooters going across gutters and kerb ramps that are a bit ordinary, (crossing) buttons that are hard to reach, then down to the tactile pavers for vision-impaired people, we’re covering the whole scope – we’re registering and accounting for every little bit of accessible (footpath) – we’ve done most of the CBD.

“When you’re in a wheelchair, any small pothole or crack that you see, you feel them a lot more than an able-bodied person would, because they’re walking along the footpath and don’t even notice (a hazard) because they’re just stepping over it.

“All that, is mapped and it is colour-coded so you can see which is the easiest route. So if somebody comes to town and wants to go somewhere, … the map will show them the easiest route to take to get there…” 

The map shows the location of the accessible car parks, toilets and key CBD locations. It also type of access for each toilet and car park, and details drop off zones within the CBD. These zones are for dropping off or picking up people or goods. Parking is not allowed in these zones.

Copies of the map can be found at all customer service centres, libraries and visitor information centres.

Due to roadworks, parks updates and construction within the Toowoomba CBD, there may be some changes to car parks, including accessible car park space. The map was correct at time of printing.