Children from The Brook Early Education and Care in Gordon Park have raised concerns about a deteriorating section of the braille trail along their regular Bush Kindy walk.
The initiative began when students noticed parts of the tactile ground indicators were damaged, impacting the safety and accessibility of the footpath for vision-impaired pedestrians.
Community Advocacy Through Bush Kindy
As part of their Bush Kindy program, the children developed awareness of the shared use of public spaces. After identifying the issue, they used traditional letter writing to contact local official Danita Parry. Cr Parry responded and later joined the group on their walk to inspect the site firsthand.
Understanding the Role of Braille Trails
Braille trails consist of tactile indicators embedded in footpaths to guide individuals who are blind or have low vision. These markers include raised lines and dots that signal directions, changes, and warnings such as street crossings. However, sighted individuals often obstruct or overlook these paths, sometimes inadvertently creating hazards.
Accessibility Needs in Brisbane
An estimated 357,000 Australians are currently living with blindness or vision impairment, a number projected to increase to 564,000 by 2030. In Brisbane, more than 6800 kilometres of roads include 50,000 intersections—making consistent tactile accessibility features crucial. Studies have shown that 8% of visually impaired pedestrians have experienced a collision with vehicles or bicycles, while 20% reported near misses over a five-year span.
Brisbane’s original Braille trail in Queen Street Mall was established in 1989, and an additional $90,000 has been invested to extend the network in recent years. The longest continuous trail now stretches approximately 1.6 kilometres through the CBD.
City of Brisbane Accessibility Measures
BCC has implemented several measures aimed at enhancing accessibility, including audio-tactile traffic signals that adjust to ambient noise levels, tactile street signs, extended crossing times, and consistent footpath upgrades. As part of its long-term strategy, the Council launched the “Inclusive Brisbane Plan 2019–2029,” building on the achievements of its 2012–2017 Access and Inclusion Plan, which invested $6.8 million annually into inclusive infrastructure.
Community Response and Educational Value
City official Parry responded positively to the children’s concerns, sharing her support publicly. The event has also highlighted the potential of early education in shaping responsible community members, aligning with the centre’s broader goals of encouraging global citizenship in children.
Looking Ahead
The damaged braille trail in Gordon Park has been brought to BCC’s attention following the children’s advocacy. The engagement has reinforced both the importance of accessible infrastructure and the role of education in civic participation.
Published 20-June-2025
