People with a disability, their families and carers are being invited to help develop a plan that aims to improve access and inclusion in the Shoalhaven.
The Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) is a four-year strategic plan which sets out Council’s commitments and priorities to ensure people of all ages with a disability have better access to services, facilities, activities, employment and information.
Mayor Patricia White said it is crucial people with lived experience contribute to the plan to ensure it reflects the services and infrastructure individuals, families and carers need to live well in the Shoalhaven.
“We are committed to ensuring fair access to opportunities and services for all, so that everyone is able to participate and feel valued in our community” Cr White said.
“True inclusion happens when we come together to break down barriers, enhance equitable access and independence, and foster an environment where our community is treated with dignity and respect, giving equal opportunity to participate in a safe and welcoming environment,” she said.
“I strongly encourage community members living with a disability, as well as service providers and carers to share your experience and ideas for how Council can provide services and infrastructure that are inclusive and accessible for all” she said.
The community is now invited to provide feedback on the DIAP by completing our online survey by Sunday 7 December. Hard copies of the survey will also be available at all Shoalhaven Library branches and Leisure Centres.
Council will be attending community events and visiting disability service providers, groups, employers and community organisations to seek in-person feedback from their members, service users and staff.
The DIAP 2026-30 will update and build-upon the 43 actions outlined in the current plan which was adopted by Council in 2022.
As of October 2025, 35 of the 43 actions have been completed across the four focus areas, with another 3 actions partially delivered;
- Create positive attitudes and behaviours within the community
- Create accessible and liveable communities
- Improving access to our systems and processes
- Supporting access to meaningful employment
Over 300 people, disability service providers, families and carers contributed to the development of the current DIAP (2022-26), sharing their thoughts and experiences about liveability in the Shoalhaven.
For more information, read the Disability Inclusion Action Plan (2022-26) or visit our Get Involved page.
