Central Coast Council will place its draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan on exhibition following this evening’s meeting.

The plan outlines strategies and actions that Council will implement over a four year period, enabling people with a disability to better access services, facilities and support.

Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan would see work undertaken across the community to improve accessibility.

“The plan will see Council make changes to internal process and practices; improving access to information, creating employment opportunities and supporting community activities for people living with a disability,” said Mr Reynolds.

“The development of this plan has been carried out in consultation with staff, residents, local organisations and our External Reference Group – providing informed and diverse insight into the actions and outcomes within the plan.

“This is a fantastic initiative that will go a long way to ensuring the Central Coast is an inclusive and accessible community and I’d like to congratulate everyone who has contributed to this project so far.”

In addition to the exhibition of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, Council has recently allocated more than $1.3 million of Stronger Communities funding to disability access improvements in Council facilities and natural spaces across the Central Coast.

Group Leader of Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said that outcomes within the plan would be incorporated into Council’s Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework.

“It’s important for us to be accountable for the actions in this plan, so residents can see what we’re doing to create liveable communities for everyone,” Ms Vaughan said.

“This plan, along with our accessibility projects are a real illustration of Council’s commitment to leading the community on accessibility and inclusion.”

Copies of the Plan will be available to view at Council’s Customer Service Centres and Libraries, or online at yourvoiceourcoast.com

For more information on the draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan call 4325 822 or 4350 5555.