News Alert |

The City of Ballarat’s fourth Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2018-2021 could soon be up for community feedback.

The draft plan will be discussed at the November 21 Ordinary Council Meeting, with the recommendation to place the plan on public exhibition for at least one month.

It is currently estimated more than 20,000 people in Ballarat have some form of disability and around 6600 have a severe or profound disability.

By 2031, that number could increase to more than 30,000.

A local survey has also shown one out of every two people with a disability have been limited by a lack of transport, while people with disabilities experience higher unemployment rates – around 15.7 per cent - compared to people without a disability, who have a seven per cent jobless rate.

In response, the draft Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2018-2021’s key priorities are:

Include access and inclusion principles within Council’s key strategic plans and policies Ensure accessibility features are included when planning new projects, precincts, building and infrastructure works Progressively improve accessibility to existing City of Ballarat buildings Develop strategies to remove barriers to participation in all community life aspects Improve information access to support informed decision-making and increase services, opportunities and entitlements awareness Raise awareness of issues faced by people with disabilities, and commit to promoting and protecting their human rights Increase employment opportunities through inclusive training programs and strengthened recruitment relationships and pathways to workforce participation

Achievements of the 2015-17 Disability Access and Inclusion Plan include:

The award-winning Victoria Park Inclusive Play Space Sporting facility accessibility upgrades, including the Alfredton Recreation Reserve and Marty Busch Reserve The construction of the transportable adult changing place, the Marveloo