World's First Accessible Bridge Climb to Open at Brisbane's Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Story Bridge Adventure Climb is marking a significant milestone for accessible tourism in Australia with the the world's first accessible bridge climb from Howard Smith Wharves to open soon.
People with accessibility requirements including wheelchair users will soon be able to experience the thrill of scaling Brisbane's iconic Story Bridge in a specially-designed wheelchair.
The motorised stair climber wheelchair is of the highest safety standard and has been customised using advanced technology especially for the Story Bridge. The advanced wheelchair ensures individuals with accessibility requirements can expect smooth and safe movement over inclines, ergonomic design for participant comfort and integrated safety features.
The world-first has been co-designed by tourism operator John "Sharpey" Sharpe and Mike Box, of Box Wheelchairs, along with Timothy Lachlan, a professional wheelchair moto-cross rider who has played a key role in testing the system and refining its performance on the Story Bridge.
The accessible bridge climb has been possible through a $250,000 grant from the Queensland Government's Accessible Tourism Elevate Fund.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said the accessible bridge climb was a welcome addition to Brisbane's tourism offerings.
"The Crisafulli Government is committed to growing adventure-based tourism in Queensland," Minister Powell said.
"We know that once visitors experience something like this, they'll be the best ambassadors for our State."
Small and Family Business Minister Steve Minnikin welcomed the move by the team at Story Bridge Adventure Climb to make the tourism icon even more accessible.
"This is a great local tourism business going from strength to strength, opening up access for even more locals and visitors," Minister Minnikin said.
The accessible bridge climb positions Brisbane as a world-class city with dynamic tourism offerings ahead of Brisbane 2032.
Brisbane City Council Chair of Community and the Arts Councillor Vicki Howard said this world-leading initiative would set a new standard for tourism attractions globally.
"This incredible initiative to make a wheelchair-accessible bridge climb experience reinforces why Brisbane is capturing global attention as one of the best places in the world to visit," Cr Howard said.
"It's a defining moment that will set the gold standard for future tourism attractions not just here but around the world.
"I am so proud Brisbane is leading the way with accessible tourism offering as we cement our reputation as an accessible and inclusive city."
Queensland's 2021 Australian of the Year Dinesh Palipana OAM participated in the climb on Wednesday morning. He said this climb and the focus on accessible tourism reflects the spirit of a warm and inclusive Queensland.
"When I was laying in a hospital bed once, not far from the bridge, I remember looking at a window, wondering if I will be outside again. To be now seeing the world from the top of our city's bridge is like a dream," Dr Palipana said.
"With about one in six people on this planet experiencing disability, the courage to do things like this reduces disability, enabling people to participate in a full life.
"The world is shaped by people who don't see it as it is but see it as it can be. I feel lucky to have this opportunity, thanks to people who are shaping the world. We continue to show the pioneering spirit of Queenslanders, highlighting that we can, and we will."
CEO of Howard Smith Wharves by Artemus Group Luke Fraser said the accessible climb would position Brisbane and the Story Bridge Adventure Climb as a world leader in accessible tourism, which a You Gov survey has shown is a key priority for Brisbane locals.
"This world-first accessible bridge climb marks an important step for accessibility and adventure tourism in Australia, and Brisbane is leading the way. We are proud to deliver this initiative and be a leader in delivering memorable tourism experiences for all," he said.
"Research conducted by YouGov found 3 in 5 people want Brisbane to be known as accessible. In the lead up to 2032 we're committed to creating experiences for all to enjoy the very best that Brisbane has to offer."
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