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Community members are being encouraged to share their experiences to help shape Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s first Disability Inclusion and Accessibility Plan. Photo supplied
The Cassowary Coast is set to become a more accessible and inclusive region, with Cassowary Coast Regional Council announcing the development of its first Disability Inclusion and Accessibility Plan.
The initiative marks a significant milestone for the region, where the proportion of residents living with disability is higher than the state average, and has been identified as a priority under Council’s Corporate and Operational Plan 2025–2030.
The need for improved accessibility was also reinforced through the 2024 MARKYT Community Scorecard, which highlighted inclusion as a key area for improvement.
The new plan will guide future decision-making across a range of areas, including community events, infrastructure, placemaking and Council processes, ensuring they better reflect the diverse needs of the community.
To help shape the plan, Council is working alongside Inclusive Consulting, an independent expert in accessibility and inclusion, and is calling on residents to share their experiences and ideas.
Mayor Teresa Millwood said community input would be critical to the plan’s success.
“This is a great opportunity for our community to come together and shape a plan that will make the Cassowary Coast a more inclusive and accessible place for everyone,” she said.
“We want to hear from as many people as possible. Your experiences and insights are vital to this process.”
Residents, including people with lived experience of disability, carers, support workers and other stakeholders, are encouraged to take part by attending upcoming workshops or completing an online survey.
Feedback will play a key role in ensuring the final plan reflects real community needs and helps build a region where everyone feels supported, welcome and empowered.
Community consultation is open until 8 May 2026, with surveys available online, at Council libraries and customer service centres.
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