Tweed Shire Council will launch an ‘accessibility and inclusion’ study commencing next week.
The study will include online surveys and forums to ensure people with disabilities and the elderly are not locked out of community life.
According to the 2006 Census, more than 19,000 people in the Tweed reported living with a disability, which represents 24 per cent of the total population. Almost 4700 of these people needed assistance with core activities.
A series of forums and questionnaires about access and inclusion will start on 14 November at 9am at www.yoursaytweed.com.au/disabilityaccess.
‘It’s about giving everyone equal and dignified access to community life. This includes the ability to engage in social, business, employment, educational and leisure activities,’ council’s aged and disability development officer Karen Collins said.
‘The study will include physical access to buildings, transport, streetscapes and outdoor spaces, as well as other issues which might stop people from being an integral part of the community.’
It is the first step in developing a formal policy and action plan for Council on access and inclusion, as part of the Tweed Community Strategic Plan 2011/2021.
Fact sheets about the study will be available from next week at www.yoursaytweed.com.au/disabilityaccess and printed copies are available at Council’s offices in Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads and the libraries at Kingscliff, Tweed Heads and Murwillumbah.
People can also provide feedback by telephoning 02 6670 2442 or by sending written submissions to:
Aged and Disability Development Officer
Tweed Shire Council
PO Box 816
Murwillumbah NSW 2484.
