The money was state government’s half of the funding needed to construct the swing. Council will now contribute its $10,000 to complete the project by September this year.

In accepting the funding Inverell Mayor Paul Harmon it was the first step in creating an inclusive play space in the park.

“Council is going to top up the funding to make sure that liberty swing goes in,” Cr Harmon said.

“Obviously there’s more to do. Council has a long term project to expand some of that equipment for those with disabilities, and this is the first stage of that.”

The project also includes the construction of a new concrete path that will improve park access for wheelchairs and other mobility vehicles.

Cr Harmon said council will be looking to the state government to help with funding for any future expansion programs.

“Council has a commitment every year that we actually set aside funding and then the local member decides where the funding will actually go, and its dollar-for-dollar funding,” Cr Harmon said.

Cr Harmon said the liberty swing had been on council’s list for a number of years and said former Cr John Irvine was very much at the forefront of making sure playground equipment was available for children with disabilities.

“It will be a staged project. Maybe not in next year’s budget, but maybe in the budget after that,” Cr Harmon said.

Mr Marshall said he was very pleased to support the project’s future develop-ment.

“Council, I understand, is going on a site tour to Texas, up in Queensland, where they’ve got a purpose built, full-scale inclusive play-ground for kids with disabilities. I’ve seen the photos of it and it looks impressive,” Mr Marshall said.

“Something like that in Inverell, along with the Connections building and what’s been done in the disabilities area, I think would be superb. 

“Inverell could develop a very strong reputation for that. 

“There’s not another community, certainly on the Northern Tablelands electorate, that would cater for people with disabilities in that way.”