Campsite accommodation provider launches wheelchair-friendly chalets after receiving government grant

A Collie campsite and chalet provider is aiming to help those with disabilities have a better holiday experiences as it launches wheelchair access accommodation after receiving a grant from the Collie Future Fund. Collie Trails Retreat launched eight wheelchair-accessible chalets and campsites with owner Jeff Riley wanting to provide a greater range for people to enjoy the area. “We are right next to the trail so most people just ride out the gate and they’re on the trails,” he said. “We started designing them about five years ago, we felt for a bit of extra work we could design them to be disability friendly — the bathroom sizing and layout all kept up with Australian standards. “We run a building company and have done a lot of work on government buildings, and other buildings, converting them to be disability friendly and have seen what a difference it made to some people, so just felt like it was the right thing to do.” The chalets comes with a bedroom, a kitchenette, small dining table and all-access bathroom. Mr Riley said the walkways and carpark for each unit were made as level as possible on their hilly property. “The grant was very important to finish the project — we had used most of our own funds to set up the project and get the project started, but were very grateful for the assistance from government through the grant,” he said. “This enabled us to finish the project earlier than first anticipated,” he said. Mr Riley owns the property, located in the Harris River National Park, along with Leigh and Clint Riley.