Shire to continue to be inclusive following Disability Plan adoption

Published on 24 November 2021

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 last night’s (23/11) 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.

Inclusive was also available to the wider community for feedback.

Central Goldfields Shire Maryborough Ward Councillor Wayne Sproull said that Inclusive will help reduce barriers and promote inclusion and participation for residents living with a disability.

“According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there are more than 2,500 people living with a disability in the Central Goldfields Shire and almost 1,000 residents receive the Disability Support Pension.

“Inclusive: Central Goldfields Shire’s Disability Plan will provide Council with a strategic framework to make sure our community continues to be inclusive to all residents as well as ensuring our Shire is somewhere people are valued and respected.”

To view the Disability Plan, click HERE.