Increasing of elderly and mobility aid in Bega my dad relies on a mobility scooter to get around, he's faced with a new kind of challenge: the footpaths and roads in Bega.

The current condition of our town's pathways is frankly disgraceful. They are simply not designed or maintained with the needs of mobility aid users in mind. My dad's mobility scooter is not even the standard size, he had to get a larger, almost negative four-wheel drive model, just to navigate these pathways. Even then, there are areas that remain inaccessible and unsafe, not just for my dad but for countless other elderly residents relying on similar mobility aids

to navigate. The roads are uneven, the walkways are broken, and there simply isn't enough thought put into making these spaces accessible for everyone, especially our senior citizens and those with mobility challenges.

According to the World Health Organization, accessibility is a key component in creating age-friendly environments. Enhancing sidewalk and road conditions can dramatically improve the quality of life for those with mobility issues. It is time we called upon the Bega Valley Shire Council to invest in infrastructure that accommodates everyone's needs.

Concrete solutions could include: regular maintenance checks, dedicated funding for footpath restoration, and consultancy with local seniors and disability groups when planning upgrades. These steps will ensure safe and accessible transport throughout Bega for our elderly and disabled community members.

Let's honor our elders and vulnerable community members by ensuring they can move around Bega easily and safely. Please sign this petition to demand better infrastructure and accessibility for all. Together, we can bring about this much-needed change.