Some disabilities are obvious....others aren't

I'M STEVE WATTS, a 70-year-old retired architect, resident on Macleay Island for the past 5 years.

On 1/12/22, I suffered a significant crush injury to my left foot.

On 28th February 2025, my left leg was amputated. I now have a prosthetic leg.

Losing my mobility and becoming disabled, ‘opened my eyes’, to the failings in access and parking design at the Macleay Island Ferry Terminal.

I can only describe these failings as being discriminatory to Disability Permit holders, and also those with various mobility issues.

As an architect (30yrs +), I constantly dealt with building designs that required accessible design for the disabled.

I have a thorough understanding of all applicable Codes & Standards, including AS 1428.1—2009 Design for Access and Mobility and TMR: Pedestrians and Walking

My lived experience as a disabled person, coupled with my knowledge of accessible design, makes me fully qualified to highlight the significant deficiencies to both the Ferry Terminal Parking and the walkway/footpath access via a steep hill, affectionately called ‘Angina Hill’ (Heart Attack Hill) by the island residents.

The mission

We're on a mission to inform the MI community about design deficiencies of the Ferry Terminal parking. Specifically Disabled Parking at the MI Ferry Terminal- offering solutions for Disability Permit holders, AND, to benefit typical commuters and boat trailer parking.

The vision

To live on Macleay Island with complete freedom of independence - whether disabled or not.