Raising Bar for Rocky Physios

CANBERRA, Australia, Sept. 4 -- The Australian Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities' Minister for Infrastructure and Transport issued the following news release:

A project underway to equip and fit out an accessible gym in Rockhampton will improve access to spinal physiotherapy and enhance health outcomes for people living in Central Queensland.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals' Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the accessible gym would provide Spinal Life Australia with a fully-equipped service centre to support those with spinal injuries.

"This crucial investment will enable people in the region to access an important service closer to home instead of having to travel to Brisbane or Townsville for these specialised services," Mr McCormack said.

"Regular access to rehabilitative services is vital for people with spinal injuries to maintain their independence, health and wellbeing, so this project will absolutely make a positive impact in people's lives."

Deputy Leader of The Nationals and Minister for Regional Services, Sport, Local Government and Decentralisation Bridget McKenzie, who visited the site today, said the equipment will make a difference for people with a range of different spinal conditions.

"This new gym will provide those in wheelchairs or with other physical disabilities with exercise machines for increasing strength, a mobility skills area for developing wheelchair skills and a range of personal trainers and other staff to provide support," Senator McKenzie said.

"The gym also includes accessible toilets and showers, wheelchair-friendly floor coverings, therapy rooms for allied health service providers and of course air-conditioning to help people cool off after their work-out."

"It's important that people of all levels of ability and mobility have a chance to enjoy the numerous benefits of exercise."

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry, who joined Senator McKenzie today, said the gym would not only improve health outcomes but also promote new economic opportunities in the region.

"This project is a real game-changer for Central Queensland, which will not only support five jobs during its life and also provide for another 30 jobs once complete, it will deliver a service many simply can't access currently."

"It's projects like this that make such a difference to regional communities like Rockhampton and I'm proud to be part of a Coalition Government delivering for our people," Ms Landry said.

"I look forward to seeing some great positive outcomes when the gym opens in March 2019."

This project is funded by the Australian Government investing $100,000 and Spinal Life Australia Ltd contributing $128,000.