It’s been six years since the Warren Shire Council released their last action plan to make their community more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities. Now, the community has been asked to help update it. 

“The purpose of this plan is to outline the practical steps Council can put into place to break down barriers and promote access to services, information, and employment,” WSC General Manager Gary Woodman said. 

“It will also be designed to help promote the rights of people living with a disability.”

The last Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) found various areas to improve around the community, including making Macquarie Park more accessible for people with mobility issues, adding and repainting disabled parking spots.

Warren Shire Council also recognised the need as an employer to establish more flexible work practices to accommodate individual circumstances, and to review recruitment processes to accommodate language barriers and promote inclusion. 

While there is no specific budget to make any necessary changes, Mr Woodman said that accessibility is now factored into the budget of any major works project.

“It’s been an attitude process, (these considerations) are in all the construction work from there on, both curb and gutters, footpaths and buildings,” Mr Woodman said. 

“Hopefully the public comes up with some ideas as well, and then we can incorporate it into programs.” 

Community members can complete a survey with their answers and feedback to help create a new DIAP. 

The survey will be available until 4pm, Friday 8 March, and is available online or from Council’s administration building, Warren Shire Library, and Nevertire and Collie Hotels.