Blueprint released for more inclusive Coffs Coast

CITY of Coffs Harbour’s “Draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan – 2026-2030” is now on public exhibition until 22 April.

“The City has worked closely with the Disability Inclusion and Access Advisory Committee to develop this blueprint which is our statement of ambition for a fairer go for all,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.

“Apart from being the right thing to do, making our city more accessible makes absolute sense given almost one-in-five of the population in our Local Government Area (LGA) identified as having disability in 2021.”

The draft plan has four key focus areas and short and longer term goals including:

• Investigate installation of a beach mat to improve access to Woolgoolga Beach Reserve
• That accessibility outcomes are part and parcel of all new City projects
• Provide up to date information for visitors and residents on City facilities and services which support access including mobility maps, accommodation guides and accessible business guides.
• Undertake a five-year review of accessible parking supply in key centres and review bus stops in accordance with accessibility legislation; and
• Promote the existence of accessible Changing Places in the LGA and investigate the feasibility of accessible amenities with sliding doors at ‘regional-level’ facilities.

The draft plan includes the case study of Connor Bryant, who chairs the Disability Inclusion and Access Advisory Committee committee and lives with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).

“I have experienced first-hand the barriers people with disability face when accessing housing, services, and community life – both independently and with support,” Mr Bryant said.

“Through my lived experience, advocacy, and leadership, I remain committed to helping create a community where everyone – regardless of ability – can feel valued, supported, and included.”

City Planning and Communities Director Ian Fitzgibbon said creating a more liveable Coffs Harbour for all can deliver widespread benefit.

“That can be things like better pathways, road crossings and ramps through to accessible playgrounds and accessible seating in public places,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“We also need to strive toward having well-lit public spaces with weather-protection and where possible, hand-rails.”

As well as improvements to the built environment, the draft plan tasks the City to better promote the achievements of people with disability through its publications, social media and marketing materials.

“Building positive community attitudes about disability encourages a more inclusive society for everyone,” Business Services Director Steve Bayliss said.

“Improved engagement will help us to make decisions which reflect the wide breadth of opinions and needs within our diverse community.”

You can view the Draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan at https://haveyoursay.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/diap-2026-2030.

Submissions can be made through to 22 April.