18 February 2008

The Circular Head Council has appointed Andrew Hurst, Access Consultant of Coaching Access Management Systems to prepare an Access Policy and Action Plan for Council.

 

'Circular Head Council is committed to improving Access For All'

 

The Circular Head Council has appointed Andrew Hurst, Access Consultant of Coaching Access Management Systems to prepare an Access Policy and Action Plan for Council. Currently Mr Hurst has been consulting with the Health and Welfare Reference Group, business and community members and Council staff to seek input for the policy.

"The Circular Head Council seeks to ensure that people with a disability, older Australians and people pushing prams can participate in all aspects of life with dignity and respect" Mayor Daryl Quilliam said.

The Circular Head Council is working towards being more responsive to it's obligation under the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and subsequent associated regulations and to the access requirements of people who live, work and undertake recreational activities within the Circular Head Council region.

Across Tasmania's population 22.6% of the population have a disability, which is approximately 105,100 people within Tasmania. Tasmania has the highest percentage of people with a disability in Australia.

"Every one of us will use accessible operations and infrastructure in our lifetime" said Consultant Mr Andrew Hurst.

The advantage of addressing access issues for the Circular Head Council is that it aims to develop improved 'access for all'. Accessible buildings and infrastructure enhances access for parents with children (strollers), people with temporary injuries and couriers whilst augmenting Occupational Health and Safety requirements.

In determining directions for the future of the people of Circular Head the Council would like to know more about what the community thinks about how they access Council buildings, parks, streetscape and utilities and what the rate payers think the future changes are required to improve the way they use facilities.

A survey has been complied for the community to gain feedback to assist with the preparation of the Disability Access Policy and Action Plan. The survey will be distributed widely throughout the area giving residents the opportunity to comment and share their thoughts and suggestions. The survey is also available from Council offices or by following the link below. For further information please contact Council's Community Programs Officer Deb Mainwaring 64524800.

Community Survey Community%20Survey (89 kb)