for the 20,000 people in the municipality who have a permanent or temporary disability.

The draft Community Access and Inclusion Plan investigates the issues and barriers people with a disability face and recommends a suite of actions to be undertaken between now and 2018.

Mayor Peter Cox said that removing barriers that impact on the day-to-day lives of people with a disability is one of the most important steps that the Council can take.

“Council’s vision is all about making Greater Bendigo a better place to live – and that means a better place to live for all our residents,” Cr Cox said.

“The plan is the Council’s commitment to reducing barriers to people with a disability and will assist City staff to consider issues around access and inclusion in the work they do.”

The draft plan is based around four key objectives:

• Reducing barriers to persons with a disability accessing goods, services and facilities

• Reducing barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment

• Promoting inclusion and participation in the community

• Achieving tangible changes in attitudes and practices that discriminate against persons with a disability

Actions include:

• Undertaking audits to determine if City assets are accessible and implement any required works

• Holding biennial forums with building surveyors, draftsmen, architects and commercial builders to raise awareness of the need to ensure buildings and places are accessible to all

• Advocating to Public Transport Victoria for better transport links that are affordable and accessible

• Developing work experience opportunities for students and job seekers

• Publicising accessibility friendly locations and close pick up and drop off points at all 

Major City events

• Ensuring the Council Plan and all strategies and plans developed by the City consider accessibility and inclusion in their development 

Cr Cox said a range of community consultation was undertaken during the draft’s development, including community workshops, a listening post and a survey.

“Council is committed to providing ample opportunity to have their say on the issues that matter to them so the next stage of the process will see the draft plan put out for further community input for a period of four weeks,” he said.

Staff will be available to talk to interested residents and answer any questions on the draft 

Plan at the following times:

• Listening Post 1 – Thursday April 9, 2015 from 5pm-7pm, Activity Room 1, Bendigo 

Library

• Listening Post 2 – Wednesday April 15, 2015 from 1pm-3pm, Activity Room 1, Bendigo Library

A copy of the draft is available online at www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/caip

Hard copies are available for inspection at City offices in Bendigo and Heathcote or by 

calling 5434 6148.

Comments on the Draft Plan must be submitted by Friday April 24, 2015 in writing to the 

Strategy Unit, PO Box 733, Bendigo VIC 3552, via email to r.lougoon@bendigo.vic.gov.au or by calling 5434 6079.