Council invites Golden Plains Shire community members to provide feedback on the Draft Disability Action Plan Strategic Framework 2025-2029 (the Draft Plan).
Following an initial period of community consultation, Council endorsed the Draft Plan for further community input at its 25 June meeting. The community is now invited to provide feedback on the Draft Plan from Friday 28 June until 5pm, Friday 26 July.
The Draft Plan has been developed to create a framework that supports people with disabilities and other access challenges, enabling them to engage with Council and access all the organisation’s services.
The Draft Plan’s objective is to enable clearly identifiable actions in the Council Plan that aim to improve the overall quality of life for people living, working and visiting the Shire. Council is committed to eliminating barriers which directly or indirectly discriminate against people with disabilities.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Brett Cunningham said the Draft Plan outlines key actions aimed at breaking down barriers faced by people with disabilities.
“Through the initial community engagement period in March and April this year, Council heard from more than 156 residents through survey responses, outreach at pop-up events and targeted engagement with community groups. We also held community workshops in Smythesdale, Bannockburn, and Dereel,” Cr Cunningham said.
“The community identified having access to supports as their most important priority, recommending more employment and educational opportunities for all abilities across Golden Plains Shire,” he said.
“Physical environment, facilities and public transport were also very important, and these factors were considered essential to people with disabilities being able to work, attend events, be independent and generally participate in everyday life,” he said.
“I encourage people to read the Draft Plan and have their say to ensure Council continues to create opportunities and inclusivity for everyone.”
The survey can be completed online by visiting goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations or hard copies can be collected from Council’s Customer Hubs at 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn or The Well, 19 Hughes Street, Smythesdale.
Hard copies can be returned by email to [email protected] or by mail to Golden Plains Shire Council, PO Box 111, Bannockburn, VIC 3331 – marked ‘Attention: Disability Action Plan Strategic Framework’.
The final Disability Action Plan Strategic Framework 2025-2029 will be presented to Council for adoption in August 2024.
For further information, contact Council’s Access and Inclusion Officer on 5220 7111.