Disability Action Plan
Inclusive: Central Goldfields Shire’s Disability Plan 2022-2027
Central Goldfields Shire will continue to be accessible and inclusive for people living with a disability following the adoption of Inclusive: Central Goldfields Shire’s Disability Plan 2022-2027 at the November, 2021 Council Meeting.
Inclusive ensures that Central Goldfields’ goods, services, facilities and employment opportunities are accessible and inclusive for people living with a disability.
Inclusive’s vision states: “Our vision is, an accessible and inclusive Central Goldfields Shire based on fairness and respect for people living with a disability”.
To achieve this vision, Inclusive focuses on four key themes:
- Inclusive communities for all
- Accessible communities
- Participation
- Leadership and collaboration
The Plan has been developed in consultation with community members and local practitioners which includes people living with disabilities and representatives from Maryborough District Health Service, Maryborough Education Centre, Intereach and disability services provider Asteria.
Background Information
Central Goldfields Shire Council endorsed the Draft Disability Action Plan – Objectives and Actions for feedback at the August 2021 Council Meeting.
The Draft Plan has been developed following community and stakeholder engagement which included one-on-one interviews, online and hardcopy surveys and the initiation of the Disability Advisory Focus Group.
From this engagement, six draft objectives and action areas have been developed including:
- People with disabilities will have equal physical access in the Shire
- Information about Council and services will be made widely available in accessible formats
- People with disabilities will have equal opportunities to participate in community life
- People with disabilities will be engaged in planning to assist Council to deliver high quality outcomes
- Positive and inclusive images of people with a disability will be promoted
- Central Goldfields Shire will be a leader in coordinating efforts to enhance the experience of local people with a disability
Central Goldfields Shire Maryborough Ward Cr Wayne Sproull said a Disability Action Plan is a vital strategic document for Council and for residents who have a disability as it will address equity and human rights.
“According to the 2016 Census, over eight percent of the Shire’s population received the Disability Support Payment and 14 percent of the population reported they were an unpaid carer of a person with a disability,” he said.
“If you have a disability, are a carer or have family or friends who have a disability please provide feedback on this Draft Plan. Also, a big thank you to everyone who provided feedback during the Draft Plan’s community feedback phase.”
ASTERIA Planning & Marketing Coordinator Claire de Natris highlighted the value of a Disability Action Plan and encouraged community feedback.
“ASTERIA values the importance of a Disability Action Plan. ASTERIA encourages people with lived experience of disability, their family, friends and carers to help shape this Draft Plan and strengthen the diversity and inclusion of people with a disability in our community,” she said.