Good accessibility isn't just about ramps and lifts. It's about creating a community where everyone can participate, feel welcome and access the services, spaces and opportunities they need.
Whether it's an older resident staying active and independent, a parent pushing a pram, someone recovering from injury or a person living with disability, accessible and inclusive communities help make everyday life easier, safer and more welcoming. Disability is also more common than many people realise, with one in five Australians living with disability and many more connected through caring roles, family or friends.
North Sydney Council's Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026-2030 provides a roadmap for making our community more accessible, inclusive and equitable over the next four years. Developed in partnership with people with disability, carers, advocates, service providers and Council staff, the plan is grounded in lived experience and focuses on removing barriers to participation in everyday community life.
The plan was shaped through workshops, market pop-ups, online engagement and ongoing collaboration with Council's Access and Inclusion Committee. Made up of local residents with lived experience of disability and disability advocacy expertise, the Committee helped identify priorities and shape the actions that will guide implementation. More than 100 community submissions were received during development of the plan, ensuring local voices were at the centre of the process.
Some of the first initiatives already underway include Council joining the Hidden Disability Sunflower Program, helping staff better recognise and support people living with non-visible disabilities. Council is also developing Accessible Event Guidelines to support more inclusive community events through improved accessibility information, sensory-friendly considerations and practical planning tools for event organisers.
Council has committed to delivering a best-practice inclusive playground project based on universal design principles, creating play spaces that can be enjoyed by by everyone. This builds on accessibility upgrades already delivered at playgrounds across North Sydney.
Other actions in the plan include pursuing an adult Changing Places facility, improving footpaths and walkways, reviewing disability parking, enhancing accessibility information across Council's website and communications, and creating an Access and Inclusion Award recognising businesses and organisations that champion accessibility and inclusion.