Council works with disability advocates to form new action plan

LISMORE City Council is working with members of its Disability and Inclusion Advisory Group to advocate and form plans for greater inclusion for people in the region.

Mayor Steve Krieg met with members of the group as part of International Day of People with a Disability at the Lismore Memorial Baths.

A recent study showed there were more than 3000 people living with a disability in the local community, which accounts for just over 7 per cent of the population.

It is higher than the state average of 5.8 per cent.

“That makes getting council’s next Disability Inclusion Action Plan right so important, and we need community input to achieve that,” Krieg said.

“This year’s theme for International Day of People with Disability was ‘Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress’, and that’s exactly what we want to do”.

The council is seeking feedback from carers, support groups and people with a disability to help form the third iteration of the plan for 2026-2030. The new plan will outline the key actions to be delivered by the council in its continued commitment to break down barriers to inclusive participation.

Jenny London, who has been a member of the planning group for over 15 years, said Lismore was one of the few councils in the area to have a dedicated advisory group.

“I’m incredibly proud of the role the (group) has played in promoting a culture of access and advocating on behalf of the people with disability in our community to continue to deliver progress across Lismore,” she said.

“Our achievements are many and include initiatives like installing two mobile lifts at the Lismore Memorial Baths to allow people with impaired mobility to get in the water with dignity.”

Residents can stay up to date with the disability plan by signing up at yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au