newy.com.au – A draft four-year plan to improve access and inclusion for people living with disability in Lake Macquarie has been recommended for public exhibition by councillors.
The draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026-2030 sets out how Lake Macquarie City Council would address barriers across its services, infrastructure, employment and decision-making, with a focus on improving participation in community life.
Council says about 15,388 people in Lake Macquarie, or 7.27 per cent of the population, require assistance with core activities, above the NSW average of 5.75 per cent.
Mayor Adam Shultz said disability inclusion was a significant and growing issue for the city.
“This draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan is about building a safer, more inclusive community where people living with disability, as well as their families and carers, can fully participate in community life,” he said.
“It sets a clear direction for how Council will continue to improve access and inclusion across Lake Macquarie, while ensuring our services are accessible to everyone.
“A key focus of this plan is recognising the importance of lived experience in shaping programs, services and infrastructure so they truly reflect the needs of people living with disability.”
The plan has been developed in line with the NSW Disability Inclusion Action Planning Guidelines and meets requirements under the Disability Inclusion Act 2014.
In other business at the meeting, councillors recommended 15 projects for financial support across two funding programs. Five community projects were recommended to share $20,115 through the Community Environment Grants program, while 10 events were earmarked for $47,000 under the Events Funding Program.
The full agenda and reports are available through Lake Macquarie City Council’s meeting agendas and minutes page, while a stream of the meeting is expected to be available on the council website within 48 hours.
