The purpose-built gate, designed and tested with input from wheelchair users, replaces a horse step-over barrier used previously at the trail entrance.

Seqwater Recreation and Catchment Services Coordinator Justin Lee said the new gate serves the dual purpose of making the trails more accessible for people with mobility aids while still preventing trailbike entry for safety and environmental reasons. 

“Over the last 18 months we have worked with Spinal Life Australia to review designs, develop a prototype and carry out testing days to lead us to this gate, which now makes it possible for people with mobility aids to access these trails,” Mr Lee said. 

“We welcome many visitors to the trails at Maddock Park every year and are really pleased that now even more of our community can access and enjoy this beautiful spot. 

“We’re looking forward to continuing this partnership as we look to add to existing Seqwater facilities, including disabled carparks and toilets, and assess what more we can do across our sites to make our recreation spaces even more accessible.”

“We have enjoyed working closely with Seqwater to conceptualise and develop this design to enable access to public land under their management,” Dane Cross, the Senior Advisor of Access and Advocacy with Spinal Life Australia said.

“This is a very good example of person-centred approach to design, including people with disability in all stages of the process.”

“The outcomes will deliver better access to the whole community, enabling many more Queenslanders to connect with the natural environment and enjoy all that Queensland has to offer.”

Seqwater also worked with Queensland Parks and Wildlife on designing the style of gate, known as a ‘kissing gate’.

The gate, built locally by Sunshine Coast business Ford Brothers Fencing, has already been installed at another Seqwater location – Wyaralong Dam near Beaudesert – with the team currently assessing if there are other suitable sites. 

Located near Landsborough, Ewen Maddock Dam is a major source for the Sunshine Coast’s drinking water supply and a popular recreation spot. The site includes BBQ facilities, areas for swimming and non-motorised watercraft, and over 9 kilometres of multi-use trails. 

View the Ewen Maddock Dam recreation guide here.