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Wellington Takes New Access Policy On Board

Wellington Shire Council has just adopted a new Access Policy & Action Plan, which reiterates its commitment to ensuring older people and those with disabilities have good access to its facilities and services.

By Wellinton Shire Council - 30th May 2003 - Back to News

The initiative, which is set to benefit some 8,000 residents, comes into force after nine months of detailed community consultation with special interest groups, welfare agencies and the general public.

The plan, which will be lodged now with the Human Rights & Equal Opportunity Commission, demonstrates how the Council is fulfilling its legal obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act.

Wellington’s acting Mayor Lorraine MacGillivray said: "This Council is committed to improving customer service, and an important element is recognising that our customers have diverse needs. Our information, communication strategies and services need to better reflect this.

"While access for those with a disability, older people and those with young children has improved over recent years, we know that there is still a lot to do and we are pursuing a number of initiatives. Among other things, new toilet blocks with disabled facilities are being built now at Golden Beach and Woodside, and are due to be completed by the end of June. Plans are also being progressed to improve access to swimming pools and public halls, review disabled parking facilities across the Shire and provide disability awareness training for Shire staff.

"The Council is committed to the new Access Policy and Action Plan, and the community can look forward to seeing real improvements in the level of accessibility we offer to residents and visitors alike."

An Access and Inclusion Advisory Group has been established to help the Council implement and monitor the plan. This group is chaired by Gary Hammer from Cowwarr. Formerly a local dairy farmer, Gary was left with quadriplegia after a car accident four years ago. He is actively involved in a number of community groups and activities.

The group is keen to recruit additional members from a broad range of people with an interest in disability and access issues. For more information please contact the Council’s Community Planner Julia Farrell on 5142 3336’ or Rural Access Project Officer Frances Ford on 5142 3464.

Meanwhile, the Plan itself can be downloaded from Wellington’s website www.wellington.vic.gov.au , with printed copies available from the Council on request.

Ends


Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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