Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 

A Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) is a strategic, actionable framework developed by government agencies, local councils, and organizations. Its purpose is to ensure people with disabilities have equal opportunity to access services, facilities, information, employment, and community events. 

Shire of Cuballing Disability Inclusion Plan 

Access and Inclusion plans are not just about ensuring buildings have wheelchair access.
They also incorporate inclusion at a participatory and service level. The vision of the DAIP is
for an accessible and inclusive community (and visitors to the community) and the format will
concentrate on seven key areas:

  1. Quality of existing and future services
  2. Access to buildings and facilities
  3. Access to shire supported events and projects
  4. Information and communication
  5. Opportunities to make complaints
  6. Opportunities to participate in public consultation
  7. Opportunities to obtain and maintain employment with the Shire of Cuballing

Community Consultation Process 

In 2025, the Shire commenced the review of its DAIP, consulting with key stakeholders and
then drafted a new DAIP to guide further improvements to access and inclusion. Wherever
possible, representatives from a variety of sectors of the community were consulted. This
process includes:

  • Advertising the commencement of the review process and the opportunity to be
    involved;
  • Advertising of the draft DAIP and the opportunity to comment on that draft DAIP;
  • Public review at meetings of Council.

The Disability Service Regulations 2004 set out the minimum consultation requirements for
public authorities in relation to the DAIP. Local government authorities must call for
submissions (either general or specific) by notice in a newspaper circulating in the local
district of the local government under the Local Government Act 1995, or on any website
maintained by or on behalf of the local authority.


The community was informed through the regional newspaper, the Shire website, the local
newsletter and the Shire of Cuballing’s social media, that the Shire of Cuballing was reviewing
its disability access and inclusion plan to address the barriers that people with disability and
their families experience in accessing Council functions, facilities and services. The
community was advised of how they could provide input into the development of the plan.

Implementation Plan

The DAIP provides the background information that informs the Cuballing Shire Council of the reasons why change is required to a facility, service or event provided in their district with their support. The DAIP implementation plan lists the suggested changes, person responsible to ensure that change happens and the date by which the change should be completed.
By itemising future requirements, Council can approve realistic budget for the funds and human resources to complete the work required and comply with legislation.
A fair and equitable DAIP implementation plan therefore informs Council where budget funds should be allocated and can only occur following consultation from different sectors of the community, including:

  • Community members with some form of disability
  • Members of the community supporting residents and visitors to the district
  • Community members with experience in the disability field
  • Broad community consultation
  • Relevant representatives from government departments

The Disability Access and Inclusion strategies and objectives developed for the Shire of Cuballing are grouped under the seven desired outcomes as recommended by the Department of Communities. These outcome areas provide a framework for translating the principles and objectives of the Disability Services Act into tangible and achievable results.