Parkes Shire Council has committed to creating a more inclusive community, with the first Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) going on public exhibition until Friday, 2nd June.
The plan, which has been developed in conjunction with the community, sets out practical actions which Council can adopt and apply over its next three terms to support people with a disability.
Parkes Shire Mayor, Councillor Ken Keith said: “The development of a DIAP is the first step towards making our Shire a more accessible and inclusive place to live, work and visit.”
“Council conducted community engage- ment initiatives to gather the ideas and priorities of residents, carers and agency representatives during April. Their feedback formed the basis for the DIAP.”
“The actions will benefit everyone, not just people with disability. Improved access means that older people and parents with prams can access buildings more easily, information is easier to access and visitors to our towns can find their way around with legible signage,” the Mayor added.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, between 25 and 26% of the Central West population identify as having a long-term disability, with over 10% of the community taking on the role of carer.
With the incidence of disability expected to increase substantially in the future, Council need to plan to ensure people of all ages and differing abilities can access the full range of services and activities avail- able.
The DIAP is based on the principles out- lined in the NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014 and aligns to the four focus areas of the NSW Government’s Disability Action Plan, which include attitudes and behav- iours, liveable communities, systems and processes, and employment.