AMAZING, inclusive, equitable that’s how Cr Jan Thompson described the Draft Disability Action Plan presented to Bass Coast Shire at its most recent council meeting.
As Chair of the Access and Inclusion Committee Cr Thompson said she had seen the amount of preparation and consultation that had gone into implementation of the plan.
“One of the highlights is an annual event to celebrate and recognise carers in the community who provide countless hours caring for disabled children or adults.”
“Carers are our unsung heroes,” said Cr Thompson.
The plan includes supporting and developing a renters rights resource kit for people with a disability and their carers, and collaboration with surf lifesaving clubs to continue to improve beach accessibility including a free water wheelchair and all-terrain wheelchair hire.
Cr Mat Morgan said he was happy to see the plan out for community consultation.
“Nothing about us, without us,” was a phrase Cr Morgan recalled from a time when he worked with policy makers in the disability sector.
“Be seen, be heard, engage with us.”
Cr Brett Tessari said having family members with disabilities and seeing the gap that exists the Disability Action Plan was an important piece of work.
Cr Jon Temby said he was a carer for someone with a very severe disability in his family.
“This is really, really important,” said Cr Temby.
Council was told the Disability Action Plan (DAP) was a strategic, inclusive, and community-driven document that set a clear direction for improving equity and access.
“Shaped through engagement with over 400 community members including carers, families, young people, and service providers the DAP places lived experience at the centre of planning and action.
The plan revealed 26 percent of people in Bass Coast report having a disability, 7.6 percent live with a disability that requires assistance, 7.1 percent need support with everyday tasks and 7.8 percent live with a severe or profound disability.
Common disabilities included blindness, hearing loss, deafness and autism.
Council approved the draft Disability Action Plan to be released for a period of community consultation until September 14 with adoption of the final plan to be considered in October 2025.
To comment go to engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/disability-action-plan-2025-2029
