Inadequate shop access and employment opportunities have emerged as significant issues in community responses to the Inverell Shire Council’s draft Inclusion (Disability) Action Plan.
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Local businesses rated particularly poorly, with 75 per cent of respondents stating that Inverell’s shops and hospitality venues were not accommodating. Problems included a lack of toilet facilities and merchandise placement which hindered access for people with limited mobility.
Mayor Paul Harmon agreed that improving accessibility was a challenge for local businesses. He said that although the council would not force changes, they would “encourage businesses to think about the fact that not everybody is able bodied.”
“That could be that they’re in a gopher or a mobility transport aid, could be in a wheelchair, could even be sight impaired,” he said.
The council has looked into improving the pavement in the town centre, and Cr Harmon said wherever possible they planned to raise the pavers to ensure there were fewer step entrances to stores.
“I don’t think that’s going to be an easy fix, particularly for mobility scooters because we know sometimes they can be quite large and heavy,” he said.
Accessibility also affected employment opportunities, which 68.4 per cent of respondents believed were inadequate. Many responses identified the businesses’ inability to accommodate people with disabilities due to the lack of accessibility and toilet facilities. Stereotyping and working hour capacity were also considered barriers to employment.
“I think people and businesses should be employing people on their merit and not discriminate against them because of a disability,” Cr Harmon said.
“It’s challenging, but I think our community is up to the challenge.”
The council’s own services were rated well, with 70 per cent stating they were accessible.
On public exhibition until June 2, the plan was created to comply with NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014, and focuses on five key areas; becoming a regional leader, creating a healthy and well educated community, maintaining a strong economy and sustainable services and infrastructure.
The community survey prompted three additional priorities – increased community education and awareness of disabilities, increased employment opportunity, and better social, recreational and economic inclusion.
The plan is available at the council administration centre, library and www.myinverellmysay.com.au.
Naomi Shumack
Born and bred in Inverell, I'm passionate about community journalism. I'm the youngest of five kids, am a book worm and have a ridiculous movie collection. I have a double degree in Communications and International Studies from the University of Wollongong. I write stories for the Inverell Times, Moree Champion and Goondiwindi Argus. You can contact me at naomi.shumack@fairfaxmedia.com.au or on 0438 606 351.
Born and bred in Inverell, I'm passionate about community journalism. I'm the youngest of five kids, am a book worm and have a ridiculous movie collection. I have a double degree in Communications and International Studies from the University of Wollongong. I write stories for the Inverell Times, Moree Champion and Goondiwindi Argus. You can contact me at naomi.shumack@fairfaxmedia.com.au or on 0438 606 351.
