Nambucca Valley locals have just over a week to have their say on a draft plan to make the valley more accessible and inclusive for people with disability.
Nambucca Valley Council has drafted a Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2027-2031, which is on public exhibition until 5pm on Friday, 23 October.
“Our community is better and stronger when everyone can participate in it and contribute,” said Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee.
“People with disability are an important part of our community, and Council has an important role to play in ensuring our services, facilities, programs, and information are accessible and inclusive.”
The draft plan shares 2021 Census data showing 1813 people living with a disability in the valley, about 9.6 per cent of the population. A broader Australian Bureau of Statistics modelled estimate from 2018 puts the number at 5051, or 25 per cent of the valley’s population.
Council ran a disability inclusion survey earlier this year, and 50 community members responded. Of those, 76 per cent said the valley was welcoming or somewhat welcoming for people with disability. Another 40 per cent said they had experienced discrimination because of their disability.
A total of 92 per cent felt spaces across the valley were fully or somewhat accessible. Libraries, the pool, and supermarkets rated highest. Events and festivals rated lowest.
“This draft action plan sets out practical actions for Council,” he said.
“It’s also about improving upon what’s been done in the past and the draft plan sets out ways we can improve, for example, by improving accessibility for sensory disabilities such as people living with a vision or hearing impairment.”
The plan has been informed by consultation with people living with a disability, their carers, families, and the broader community.
To make a submission, write to the General Manager, Nambucca Valley Council, PO Box 177, Macksville NSW 2447, or email council@nambucca.nsw.gov.au by 5pm on Friday, 23 October.
“I encourage everyone to take a look at the draft plan and share their feedback on it by 23 October 2026,” he said.
The draft plan can be read on Council’s website
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