Chance to shape a more inclusive city

THE City of Ballarat is inviting locals with lived experience of disability to help shape its new Disability, Access and Inclusion Plan.

Community consultation for the Disability, Access and Inclusion Plan 2026-2030 closes on Sunday 22 March, with some community workshops also being held this month and more details though the council’s MySay page.

Since the first plan in 2008, people with lived experience of disability have helped guide the council’s work with the collaborative approach

has strengthened Ballarat’s commitment to building a city that’s inclusive and accessible for all.

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves is encouraging people to share what matters most to them.

“Ballarat has a higher proportion of residents living with disability compared to the rest of regional Victoria,” she said.

“We want to hear from those in our community so that we can continue to remove barriers and improve accessibility across all of council’s services, facilities and programs.”

Cr Hargreaves also acknowledged the contribution of the City of Ballarat Disability Advisory Committee.

“Our Disability Advisory Committee has been a strong voice for lived experience since 2008,” she said.

“This consultation is another opportunity for people living with a disability, carers, families and the broader community to help shape a

more accessible Ballarat.”

Community insights have previously led to a range of improvements including the Victoria Park Sensory-Friendly Stay and Play Zone, an Assistance Dog Relief Area in the CBD, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program and accessibility upgrades at the Ballarat Library and the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre.

Community feedback gathered during this 2026 consultation will guide future improvements in areas such as services, facilities, employment pathways, event accessibility, customer experience, and the design of public spaces.