Plan to ensure equal access for everybody

February 9, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council is asking the community to complete a survey to help review its Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 provided an opportunity to review how inclusive Council managed facilities and services are in our Shire, and to work with the community to improve on actions currently embedded in the Plan.

“The Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-26 will be an important way forward in ensuring ease of access to services and facilities for people with disability,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We want everyone in our Shire to be able to participate fully in everything we have to offer. In putting together this plan, we will be looking for the information and views of people who know the challenges people with disability face. We are asking people to fill in a survey, participate in a workshop or phone to tell us their ideas.

“People with disability in our Shire should be able to access Council buildings, tourism facilities and events, and be able to find jobs and housing that suits their needs.

“We are asking people to speak up about their experiences and how we can improve.

“This new plan will provide us with a clear set of goals to ensure our Shire remains accessible for residents and visitors.”

Cr Chaffey said over the past four years, Gunnedah Shire Council had made significant achievements against its existing plan.

All Councils across New South Wales are required to have a Disability Inclusion Action Plan developed in consultation with people with disability. The 2022-26 plan will replace the existing plan which was developed following extensive community engagement, involving more than 340 residents and stakeholder groups.

The 2022-26 plan will focus on four priority areas: 1. Developing positive community attitudes towards disability 2. Creating liveable communities 3. Increasing access to meaningful employment 4. Improving access to mainstream services through improved systems and processes.

To take part in the survey, visit or pick up a hard copy from the Council’s Administration Building, 63 Elgin Street, GoCo Administration Building at 80 Marquis Street, or the Gunnedah Shire Library in Conadilly Street.

The survey is open until Wednesday, March 9.

To find out more about the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, contact Gunnedah Shire Council Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton on 6740 2100, or email [email protected] with the subject line “Disability Inclusion Action Plan”.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking the community’s help to review its Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.