FAQs
Why does Council need a DIAP?
The NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014 requires every Council to develop a Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP). As 1 in 5 people in Australia live with some form of disability, it is really important for Council to have a DIAP. This plan will provide us with a clear direction as we make Council services, facilities, activities and information more accessible.
The DIAP 2026-2030 will focus on the structural and attitudinal barriers that prevent people with disability gaining equal access to information, places, services, transport, housing, education, training, employment, and social opportunities. If you remove these barriers much of the disadvantage and loss of independence also disappear.
Why is Council updating the DIAP?
Council developed its first Disability Inclusion Action Plan in 2016. The current Shoalhaven DIAP 2022-2026 is coming to the end of its timeframe, and we need to develop a new DIAP for the period 2026-2030. It is important we update the plan and make sure it captures and reflects the community’s current and future priorities.
Who will benefit from the DIAP?
This DIAP is about making our community more inclusive for people living, working and visiting in the Shoalhaven local government area.
The DIAP will not only benefit people with disability. It will make the Shoalhaven a more connected and liveable place for carers, older people, those with a temporary disability and families with young children.
How will Council engage with the community on this project?
Across the development of the new DIAP 2026-30 there will be a range of community engagement activities for members of the community with disability and for the broader community including parents and carers. Engagement will capture feedback from people with physical, intellectual disability, people who are neurodivergent and people with acquired disability as well as disability service providers.
Activities will include surveys, workshops and focus groups.
What will Council do with the information collected through the community engagement?
The information collected from the community engagement will help us identify and understand the challenges that people with disability and their carers face in accessing Council services and facilities. This information will be used to help us review the current DIAP plan and to set priorities for the DIAP 2026-2030.
When will the new plan be implemented?
The DIAP 2026-2030 will be implemented from July 2026.