Agenda of Inclusion & Access Advisory Group

Inclusion & Access Advisory Group – Monday 29 August 2022

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IA22.12 Investigating all ability access - Shoalhaven beaches

HPERM Ref: D22/301477

Department: Environmental Services

Approver: James Ruprai, Director - City Development

Reason for Report

This report is to inform the Inclusion & Access Advisory Group of previous and current investigations into all-ability coastal access track improvements at Shoalhaven City Council managed beaches and estuaries, and to provide an overview of existing management strategies aligning to actions from the Coastal Zone Management Plan (2018).

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Inclusion & Access Advisory Group receive this report for information.

Options

1. Adopt the recommendation

Implications:

a) The current budget allocation for strategic identification of all-ability coastal access tracks as outlined in the Shoalhaven City Council Delivery Program Operational Plan & Budget (2022/2023) is limited to $30,000.00

b) Implementation and scheduling of some management actions as defined by the CZMP emergency action subplans for Culburra Beach and Callala Beach will be subject to conditions of the applicable licensing and permits, which are yet to be obtained from NSW Crown Land and Department of Primary Industries (DPI) - Fisheries.

2. Provide an alternative to the recommendation.

Implications: The details would need to be provided to Council and the outcome would remain unknown until further assessment.

Background

This report provides information on the previous and current investigations into all-ability coastal access track improvements at Shoalhaven City Council managed beaches and estuaries.

It will inclusively provide an update to address:

· Mayoral Minute MM21.1 – which Council resolved to; “ consult with National Parks and Wildlife to undertake a joint project to replace the existing stairs that access Berrara Beach and Berrara Lagoon with an accessible ramp”.

· Strategy & Assets Committee MIN16.959 which Council resolved to; “ Council Staff to investigate and provide costs back to council to repair the car park and access track to Ocean Street Beach so it can be utilised by disabled users, family access and emergency responders and general beach users.

· Inclusion & Access Advisory Group IA21.14 Storm damage to coastal access tracks at Callala beach; and

· Inclusion & Access Advisory Group IA22.9 which requested a report and presentation on Coastal Management Programs (CMPs).

Shoalhaven Beach Asset Management Strategy

In 2021, Council completed the Shoalhaven Beach Asset Management Strategy project, which was funded under the NSW Department of Planning and Environment’s (DPE) Coastal and Estuary Grants Program. This project involved an engagement of specialist coastal engineering consultants, Advisian, to complete an investigation aligning with an action from Council’s certified Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP, 2018).

The action proposed an update of the Coastal Asset Management Plan to include a coastal access track management strategy and methodology for assessment based on environmental, social, and economic risks.

Approximately 250 coastal access tracks were assessed and inspected as part of this engagement, with a multi-criteria analysis developed and undertaken to provide a basis for rationalisation for coastal access tracks on a beach-by-beach basis. The criteria for assessing the coastal access tracks included consideration of the:

· Number of coastal access tracks available per linear distance in each locality (beach).

· Location of the coastal access tracks in relation to key local amenities and accessibility to high-use areas, such as carparking or local urban areas.

· Safety of coastal access tracks based on the site assessments.

· Impacts on the environment associated with each coastal access track based on site observations and factors including the positioning and orientation with respect to local winds, susceptibility to erosion, and other coastal processes.

The project also identified considerations for some existing coastal access tracks having the potential to be upgraded to accommodate all-ability access. The recommendation advised that further investigations should be made for these identified areas.

Environmental Services (City Development) submitted a budget bid for funding under the Shoalhaven City Council Delivery Program Operational Plan & Budget (DPOP 2022/2023) to undertake these further investigations. This budget bid was successful and will enable Environmental Services to pursue the strategic identification of all-ability beach access along the Shoalhaven coastline. This project will consider the previously identified sites, providing detail on the specific requirements to implement the potential all-ability beach access based on considerations including site feasibility, environmental constraints, environmental approval requirements, and intended use outcomes.

Mayoral Minute MM21.1 - Berrara Lagoon

In response to resolutions from MM21.1, Council initiated agency consultation with National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) who are the landowner for the subject area adjacent to Council managed land at Berrara Lagoon. NPWS did not support the concept of installing a concrete path, as the proposed site was deemed not suitable to provide a "disabled access path to the lagoon". The primary reasons being:

· The intertidal area of Berrara Lagoon is highly dynamic (i.e., the sand is highly mobile). It is inevitable that any fixed asset installed in this environment will eventually be compromised or rendered inoperable.

· The entrance of Berrara Lagoon is not considered a suitable location for persons with a disability to swim due to the strong currents evident, particularly in the middle of large tides.

· The access path on Council managed land adjacent to the subject site has gradient of 1V:8H, which this exceeds the maximum for unassisted use (1V:12H).

Based on this agency correspondence, Council did not pursue NPWS for alternatives regarding all-ability access on land not managed by Council. It is considered that any options to investigate alternatives may depend on existing NPWS Plans of Management which are independent of Council management activities.

Investigations into all-ability access on Council managed land within the area will be addressed under the 2022/23 DPOP funding for strategic identification of all-ability coastal access across the Shoalhaven (as detailed above).

Strategy & Assets Committee - MIN16.959 - Tilbury Cove and Ocean St, Culburra Beach

The Shoalhaven Beaches Asset Management Strategy (Advisian, 2021) included investigations into the subject coastal access track at Tilbury Cove and Ocean St, Culburra Beach to address the resolutions from MIN16.959. The coastal access track at Ocean Street was identified to be retained as an existing flat access onto beach as it is the current main pedestrian beach access point for day visitors. The coastal access track is affected by erosion, leading to a general lowering of the track surface relative to the surrounding dune. A recommendation was made to rectify the erosion through periodic sand replenishment activities to raise the elevation of the lower portion, or by inclusion of reinforcement material to reduce erosion and allow easier access to the beach for emergency vehicles. The potential to create all-ability access was also identified as a consideration, however the ongoing impacts from windblown sand, coastal erosion from storms, and overland flow from nearby stormwater causing erosion are aspects which will need to be investigated further.

A design compliant with all-ability Australian Standards would likely require significant engineered infrastructure and any design would need to resolve these complex issues and include extensive dune vegetation clearing (and re-establishment), Aboriginal Heritage assessment, and consideration of a toilet block upgrade to the disabled standards. While the recommendation within the Shoalhaven Beaches Asset Management Strategy (Advisian, 2021) has advised there is potential to create all-ability access at this location, further investigations on this will be detailed through the 2022/23 DPOP funding for strategic identification of all-ability beach access across the Shoalhaven coastline.

Current management of coastal access tracks within this area will align with the CZMP – Culburra Beach Emergency Action Sub Plan (CZMP, 2018) to ensure that these are managed following storm events. Council has an application in progress for a 5-year Crown Land licence, which aims to gain holistic approval from Crown Land and DPI-Fisheries to implement the management actions as defined by the Emergency Action Subplan. This licensing is the environmental approval requirement to enable sand replenishment activities where required at the subject impacted coastal access tracks.

Inclusion & Access Advisory Group – IA21.14 – Storm damage at Callala Beach

The Shoalhaven Beaches Asset Management Strategy (Advisian, 2021) included investigations into all formal Council coastal access tracks at Callala Beach.

The management and monitoring of general coastal access tracks in this area following storm impacts will be in accordance with the CZMP – Callala Beach Emergency Action Sub Plan (CZMP, 2018). Council has an application in progress for a 5-year Crown Land licence, which aims to gain holistic approval from Crown Land and DPI Fisheries to implement all of the management actions as defined by the Emergency Action Subplan. This licensing is the environmental approval requirement to enable sand replenishments where required at impacted coastal access tracks.

Community Engagements

Council is currently developing Coastal Management Programs (CMPs), a NSW Government legislative requirement, to outline the strategic management of the coastline and estuaries for the Shoalhaven Local Government Area (LGA). Council’s CMPs will consider issues, such as those that have been identified in this report, to help shape and identify future management actions for the Shoalhaven coastline and estuaries. As it is essential Council affords the community an opportunity to provide feedback to these projects, a critical component of developing the CMPs is community consultation and engagement.

For further consultation regarding strategic management of Council’s coastal access track assets, it is recommended that community stakeholders provide input through the consultation channels of the CMPs. To stay updated and informed with these projects it is recommended to subscribe to Council’s Get Involved pages for these projects.

Graphical user interface, application

Description automatically generated The Shoalhaven Coastal Management Program Get Involved page provides further information regarding the process and development stages of CMPs, as well as updates regarding the CMPs that are being undertaken.

For specific information dedicated to providing updates (drop-in information sessions, surveys, question & answers, and general progress reports) pertaining to the progress for a CMP for specific coastal areas, the following pages are available:

· Open Coast and Jervis Bay CMP

· Sussex Inlet, St Georges Basin, Swan Lake and Berrara Creek CMP

· Lower Shoalhaven River CMP

· Lake Conjola CMP

The ‘Stay Informed’ box is used to enter an email address and by clicking ‘Subscribe’ to receive future CMP updates.

Several different methods will be utilised to communicate and engage with key stakeholders throughout the stages of each CMP. Each communication channel and tool has been selected to target specific audiences to ensure the information is disseminated effectively and efficiently to the community.

Policy Implications

Implementation of all-ability coastal access tracks on Council managed land is subject to land tenure and legislated licensing and environmental approval considerations. The strategic investigation into all-ability coastal access tracks will take into consideration these implications as required.

Financial Implications

The current Shoalhaven City Council 2022/23 DPOP budget for strategic investigation into all-ability coastal access across the Shoalhaven is $30,000. This budget aims to solely investigate the most applicable areas currently flagged as having potential for all-ability coastal access tracks. The proposed identification of the most applicable sites for all-ability access resulting from the current investigations will serve as a significant resource.

The investigative works will enable Council to seek further funding opportunities for implementation if all-ability coastal access tracks through internal DPOP budgets and/or funding partnership programs.

Installation of any infrastructure, where required to enable compliance with all-ability standards, will involve costs associated with geotechnical investigations, survey, engineering design, environmental assessments, and environmental licenses and approvals.

Risk Implications

There is a risk that the strategic investigations will result in limited options being identified to implement all-ability coastal access tracks when there is holistic consideration for site parameters including existing site amenities, current access, environmental conditions, and cost aspects. However, it should be considered that the purpose of the strategic investigation stage is to ensure the most applicable sites are identified to ensure a successful outcome.

Inclusion & Access Advisory Group – Monday 29 August 2022

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IA22.14 Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022/26

HPERM Ref: D22/347142

Department: Community Connections

Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles

Attachments: 1. Post Exhibition - Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 ⇩

2. Ordinary Report attachment 27.6.2022 - DIAP Implementation Table Master ⇩

Reason for Report

The purpose of this report is to provide the Inclusion and Access Advisory Group (IAAG) with a summary of the public exhibition process undertaken for the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022/26 and outlines Council’s response to this feedback. In addition, it provides IAAG with the full Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022/26 (DIAP) and Implementation Table.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That Inclusion and Access Advisory Group receive this report for information.

Options

1. IAAG members note report for information

Implications: IAAG members are made aware of DIAP the public exhibition process and Council’s response to this feedback. In addition, the IAAG receive the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 202/26 and Implementation Table.

2. IAAG members determine an alternate recommendation

Implications: unknown until discussed

Background

The Shoalhaven Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) outlines Council’s strategy to remove barriers and ensure equitable access to infrastructure, services, employment, and opportunities and promote the rights of people living with a disability in the Shoalhaven.

Since 2017, the NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014 has required NSW Local Governments to undertake disability inclusion action planning every four years and always have a DIAP in place. The Act requires Local Government organisations to review their plan before the end of the 4-year period. The review must involve a consultation process, evaluation and updated DIAP as outlined in the Act.

All NSW Local Government organisations were granted a 12-month extension due to the impacts of Covid-19, and as a result the current Shoalhaven Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017-2021 expires in July 2022.

Shoalhaven DIAP Development

In 2021, Council’s Community Connections team commenced a review of the 2017-2021 DIAP and development of the new plan. Council engaged a consultant, The Flagstaff Group, and extensive community engagement was used to identify the priority areas for Council’s inclusion work over the next four years. Community Connections worked with teams across Council to develop actions that will address the identified priorities. By developing the actions with the teams who will deliver them, we could ensure that the actions reflect the expert knowledge and experience of Council’s teams.

The Shoalhaven Disability Inclusion Plan 2022-2026 represents Council’s commitment to integrating inclusion into our work, with the aim of ensuring that people living with disability have fair access to services and can participate in life in the Shoalhaven.

To reflect the four key outcome areas recommended across the state, the DIAP is structured into the following focus areas:

1. Create Positive Attitudes and Behaviours Within Community

2. Create Accessible and Liveable Communities

3. Improve Access to Our Systems and Processes

4. Support Access to Meaningful Employment

Across the four focus areas, the Shoalhaven DIAP 2022-2026 identifies 15 priorities and 43 actions that will be undertaken. These actions are set out in the attached DIAP document, with further details on implementation resourcing provided in the document’s Appendix 1.

The DIAP actions will be incorporated into the Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) framework, and any actions that require additional funding outside of existing budgets will be integrated into Council’s Operational Plans between 2022 and 2026.

The DIAP also uses Council’s Annual Reports, required by the IP&R framework, to monitor and report annually on progress made in implementing the DIAP. This reporting informs the community on progress, and a copy is provided to NSW Disability Council to meet legislative requirements for DIAPs.

The Draft – Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 – Public Exhibition Report (CL22.219) provided to Council at the Ordinary Meeting on 9 May 2022 resulted in the following resolution (MIN22.330):

That Council:

1. Endorse the Draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 for the purpose of placing on Public Exhibition for a period of 28 days to seek further community feedback.

2. Receive a report on feedback from the community on the Draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 following the 28 days public exhibition period.

3. Thank the community for their participation to date and invite further feedback during the public exhibition period.

This report includes an overview of the community engagement activities, outlines any recommended changes, and presents the final draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 to be endorsed.

Public Exhibition

In accordance with the resolution of Council, the Draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan was placed on public exhibition from 11 May until 12 June 2022.

The focus of the engagement process was to inform the community about the revised DIAP and to seek feedback on the draft document. Submissions could be made to Council either via the online Get Involved page or via email or letter to Council.

A Community Engagement Plan was implemented to ensure people living with a disability, their families, carers, local business, service providers and people living in the Shoalhaven were given the opportunity to send feedback on the Draft DIAP.

A Get Involved Page was established, and community was asked the following questions:

· Overall, how happy are you with the Draft DIAP 2022-26?

· What would you like to change?

· Would you like to provide any additional feedback?

Information on the DIAP public exhibition, including the link to the Get Involved page where people could submit feedback, was shared across a range of networks including Community Consultative Bodies, Advisory Committees and Disability Service Providers across the Shoalhaven.

This was supported by the following communications and media:

· Four social media posts directing people to the Get Involved page were posted on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn

· A media release and news item outlining public exhibition information on how to make a submission and encouraging people to send their feedback was posted on Council’s website and provided to 126 local media network contacts

· ABC Illawarra hosted an interview on the DIAP Public Exhibition

· Three radio stations, including Power FM, I98FM Illawarra and 2ST mentioned the DIAP in their broadcasts

· Information on the public exhibition and link to the Get Involved page was included in the 2 June 2022 ‘In Your Neighbourhood’ Council Newsletter

In addition to the above, a workshop was held for the Inclusion and Access Group (IAAG) to ensure they were supported to provide feedback to the Draft DIAP. The group was asked the following questions: Overall, how happy are you with the Draft DIAP 2022-26?, How easy is it to read and understand?, What do you like the most?, What would you like to change?

Feedback from this workshop has been considered as part of the key themes outlined in the table below and has led to a number of amendments to the DIAP.

Summary of Submissions

Council’s DIAP Get Involved page received 154 unique page visits and resulted in 10 online submissions during the exhibition period of 11 May to 12 June 2022. Within these submissions there was a variety of feedback across multiple areas within the DIAP.

The Summary of Submissions, and Table 1 below outlines staff responses and recommended actions to the feedback received.

All submissions will receive email correspondence to thank people for taking the time to provide feedback on the Draft DIAP and Implementation Plan and will include staff responses and any subsequent actions relating to their submission following adoption of the final documents.

Table 1 - Submission items and recommended actions

Submission Theme	Community Feedback	Recommended Action
Positive Feedback	‘The activation of inclusion across recreational and public spaces is great. The inclusion of a disability specific design element is also great. I commend your efforts on actions incorporated to date to build a stronger inclusive and accessible Shoalhaven’ ‘Upon reading the document it is evident that a lot of thought has been done and many efforts are being made for the inclusion of those with a disability. I find that most people are always helpful within our community.’	Note comments & thank the community
Beach access	‘Correct names of beaches, there is no ramp at Barfleur beach in Vincentia, and why was a wheelchair ramp put on the roughest beach that has soft sand, which will not allow wheelchairs and where rough seas wash the sand out from underneath.’ ‘Need to make improved beach access a priority on the draft DIAP plan’ ‘Council needs to include improved beach and waterway access for people living with a disability/ elderly. This addition of a point 2.6 in Section 2: Create Accessible and Liveable Communities, page 21 of the Draft document should be a high priority.’ ‘For people with a pram or in a wheelchair to be able to get to the beach and enjoy our area is important please ensure this is included in your plans.’ ‘Shoalhaven needs to conduct a review of beach access, with a view to targeting those beaches that have most potential to providing access for people with disabilities. Existing topography should be considered - i.e., relatively short distance from accessible car parking, access points with small grades from car parking to beach, other features such as part access already in place (e.g., Callala Beach Rd access). In keeping with the current 100 beach challenge - a quantitative target should be set e.g., 10% or 15% of the 100 beaches to have improved beach access by 2026. An appropriate beginning point could be a survey of which beaches are currently regarded as most accessible (with or without assistance) by beach users with disabilities. And which beaches/waterways people would like to access if they could.’ ‘Considering that there are 100 beaches and numerous waterways in the Shoalhaven, our association believe that inclusive access to these areas is of vital importance and must be included in this policy. There is money regularly budgeted by council for inclusive / disabled foreshore access’	It is acknowledged that significant community feedback on this issue has been received. This feedback has been provided to the Coastal Management team. This means that accessibility at beaches will be considered as part of the development of the Coastal Management Plans and able to reflect the specific feedback and needs identified through those processes which will seek to balance community access and environmental management priorities.
Parks & Recreational Play	‘I think Council have missed the opportunity to make our recreational areas more inclusive such access ways to beaches and parks. This is not only for those with defined disabilities as we live in a community it’s of a large ageing population but also families with prams, etc. This has not been represented strongly enough if at all in this plan.’	Improved recreational play and parks is currently addressed in priority: 2.2 Increase access to inclusive parks that are designed to support use by people with disability.
Accessible Parking	‘I am now in the single person household. My disability is nowhere as serious as many others. I can walk and stand for only a short time or distance and require a support walker. The parking in Nowra main shopping centre is very difficult. On many occasions I have driven into Nowra and have had to return home because I was unable to find a parking spot close enough for me to walk to shopping precinct. so, the parking issue is high. For medical appointments I use the community bus, so that I have definite access to my medical appointments.’	Improved accessible parking is currently addressed in priority: 2.5 improve accessibility in the community. Action: 2.5.3 Support the inclusion and access advisory group to provide advice on accessible parking from the community to Council’s traffic committee
Disability Signage	‘I know that you are aware of the need for more allocated disability parking, but I would like to acknowledge that the signage for these spaces e.g., person in wheelchair is so very outdated. Not all disabilities are visible and not all disabilities require a wheelchair, that to me is not inclusive of all disabilities, the same signage is on specific allocated toilets also.’	The International Symbol of Access has been in place for over 50 years across more than 160 countries. To modify these designs within the Shoalhaven would create a lack of consistency and understanding of accessible locations.
Private Access	‘Access to businesses e.g., ramps. Although not a requirement for businesses to have this access, perhaps a rebate program from council to compensate those businesses wishing to make this access available that would be otherwise unable to afford to do it.’	A pilot program of this sort was run through a grant process in 2017/18 with limited uptake from businesses and landlords.
General Feedback	‘I am the National Secretary of the Myositis Association-Australia Inc and we have been collecting information regarding all aspects of facilities which would help make life easier for our members living in the Shoalhaven. These points could also apply to anyone with a disability.’	Submission included legislative requirements for specific National Construction Codes & design considerations surrounding universal design principles. Acknowledge as feedback to better inform Council’s work.
Feedback outside of Council’s functional responsibilities.	‘My personal qualitative analysis of the 1000 Aboriginal people I work with, 17% live with a disability but due to cultural shameful practices will not register as an Indigenous person living with a disability on NDIS or with local Disability Providers.’ ‘There is also a lack of medical specialists visiting our region which means people are having to travel out of area for treatments, sometimes this isn't possible due to inability to sit in a vehicle for hours. Our area has lost too many visiting medical specialists over the last few years.’	Feedback will be provided to appropriate services.

Amendments

As part of the exhibition process some changes were identified and amendments made to the Draft DIAP and Implementation Plan. A number of these amendments were identified through the IAAG workshop. These amendments are outlined below:

The final draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 and Implementation Plan are included as Attachment 1 and 2.

1. Amendment 1

Action 1.4.1 – Advocate for applicant businesses to address inclusion as part of the Shoalhaven business awards assessment

Change to:

1.4.1 Advocate for all applicant businesses to address inclusion as part of the Shoalhaven business awards assessment

2. Amendment 2

Action 2.5.1 – Review development controls in Shoalhaven DCP with a view to improving accessibility outcomes and implement amendments to Shoalhaven DCP with support from Council

Change to:

2.5.1 Review development controls in Shoalhaven DCP with a view to improving accessibility outcomes and implement amendments to Shoalhaven DCP with support from Council. This aims to improve availability and quality of accessible housing in the Shoalhaven in the long-term.

3. Amendment 3

Action 3.3.1 - Use the Procurement Policy review to improve consideration of social and sustainability outcomes in procurement processes

Change to:

3.3.1 Use the procurement policy review to improve consideration of social and sustainability outcomes in procurement processes. This aims to improve the ability of Council teams to consider social outcomes of potential suppliers, such as disability employment by social enterprises

4. Amendment 4

Focus Area 4 – Support Access to Meaningful Employment

Change to:

Focus Area 4 – Support Access to Meaningful Employment

The steps we will take – Council recognises the challenges of finding employment for people living with a disability. That is why Council have set a goal to remove those barriers when applying and working for Council, and to help Shoalhaven businesses improve employment opportunities for people living with a disability.

5. Amendment 5

Priority 4.1 – Provide an accessible recruitment and onboarding process for new employees

Change to:

Priority 4.1 – Provide an accessible recruitment and onboarding process for new Council employees

Community Engagement

To ensure the development of the DIAP met the needs of Council and the community, the Community Connections team and The Flagstaff Group undertook internal consultation with representatives from across the organisations prior to beginning external consultation.

This process ensured staff had an opportunity for input on future actions and responsibilities under the DIAP as adopted by Council. This process also set expectations for community consultations and requirements when developing the new DIAP.

The following internal consultation occurred:

· One-on-one conversations with the CEO and each Director to determine outcomes, challenges, threats, and opportunities for the review

· Staff workshop with 34 staff from across the organisation to determine inclusion aspirations within the organisation

· Management representatives from each of the five Directorates and Shoalhaven Water sat on the Project Control Group to support the action plan development

· Individual meetings with each department manager responsible for implementing actions to ensure future work aligned with the strategic direction and future planning for each department of Council

These internal consultations ensured that senior management, middle management, and operational staff from across the organisation had opportunity for input. This allowed development of a DIAP that has organisation-wide support from the earliest stage.

An extensive community engagement process was led by The Flagstaff Group and engaged with over 300 people, including:

· 120 people completed online survey

· 6 face-to-face community workshops

· 20 face-to-face individual meetings, including with Councillors

· 2 meetings with Federal and State MPs

· 9 meetings with disability service providers

· 14 disability employment providers consulted

· 5 representatives of Indigenous disability organisations

· 52 employees with disability from various organisations

· Community Consultative Bodies contacted, and one formal submission received

· Social media and media relations campaign including a Mayoral video and interviews

Council used a range of methods to engage with community to identify communities’ aspirations. These methods included:

· Electronic Direct Mail

· Production of Mayoral video for web and social media

· Social media stories and notices

· Creation of a Council Get Involved page

· Posters across Council facilities

· Direct invitation to partners in the not-for-profit disability sector

· Face-to-face drop-ins to Disability Employment Providers

· One-on-one telephone interviews to support people with disability

· Group sessions with providers and stakeholders across the City including Nowra, Bay and Basin (2), and Ulladulla

· Indigenous disability providers group

· Articles in Council’s newsletter “In Your Neighbourhood”

· Group session with Council staff

· Face-to-face interviews with Council’s Executive Leadership Team

· Face-to-face and phone interviews with Councillors

· Media releases

It should be noted that the delivery of community engagement and action planning was delayed due to NSW restrictions and staff absences due to Covid-19. These delays were used to offer an extended community engagement process and allowed for a greater action planning process with Council departments.

A wealth of community input and insights were provided by the extensive engagement. This was used to identify the priority areas for Council’s future inclusion work and used as the basis for developing actions that will be undertaken to address the identified priorities.