Council has established a survey to gather community feedback around priorities for improved accessibility, and any barriers residents see to access and inclusion within the region.
All responses will be collected anonymously to help inform the development of council’s 2026-2030 Universal Access and Inclusion Plan.
The plan outlines its priorities for identifying and addressing practices and conditions that might result in discrimination against people with a disability.
It also addresses inclusivity of people through education, employment and volunteering opportunities, while promoting the recognition of the rights of people with a disability.
Once developed the plan will include actions, to be supported by the Greater Shepparton Disability Advisory Committee, for the next four years to respond to priorities outlined by the community.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said community feedback was an important step in developing the plan.
“Council strives to maintain an inclusive and welcoming region for all, and it does this through providing accessibility to council-owned buildings, streets and open spaces,” he said.
“We want to ensure the plan aligns with the needs and priorities of our residents, and to do this we need to hear directly from them.”
Disability advisory committee councillor representative Sam Spinks said the plan would address council’s vision for all residents and visitors to have full and equal access.
“Council understands that not all people living with a disability are alike,” she said.
“Once developed, the (plan) will outline what council will do to address these barriers people with a disability might face, while acknowledging the contribution these residents make every day to our diverse community.”
The survey can be completed online via the Shaping Greater Shepp website at shaping.greatershepparton.com.au/universal-access-and-inclusion-plan, or hard copies are available at council’s customer service counter at 90 Welsford St, Shepparton.
The survey closes at 11.59pm on Saturday, February 28.
For more information, contact council on 5832 9700 or positiveageing@shepparton.vic.gov.au