The Parkes Shire Access Committee was re-established by Council and had its first meeting at the end of last month.
It is an advisory committee to Council regarding access issues for people with disabilities. The committee has wide representation including councillors, Neighbourhood Central, Currajong Disabilities, Ability Links, Lachlan Area Health and a number of individual community members. Committee Chair Cr Ken McGrath says access issues can relate to a wide range of lifestyle aspects, not just physical movement. “The Parkes Shire Access Committee
will address many issues including access to services, employment, events, communication, transport and building access.”
The committee’s core functions are to provide a forum for the discussion of matters pertaining to disability access; to assist in the implementation of Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan; and to promote greater awareness, understanding, support and positive attitudes on disability issues.
The committee will act as a conduit for consultation on Council’s major infrastructure developments and events to highlight potential issues and better plan for access, develop awareness campaigns, lobby government and agencies for better services and create conversations around access issues in the shire.
Council has committed $10,000 to an Access Incentive Scheme to be administered by the committee every year.