Alpine Shire Council adopted its Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2026–2029 at this week's meeting, reaffirming its commitment to creating an inclusive community.

The Plan outlines a clear, practical approach to identifying and reducing barriers to access and inclusion across Council services, facilities and decision-making, in line with legislative responsibilities under the Victorian Disability Act 2006.

Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, said the Plan recognises that accessibility benefits a broad range of community members.

“This Plan is about making sure our community works for everyone – including people with both hidden and visible disabilities, older residents, parents with prams, and people experiencing short-term injury or illness,” she said.

“True inclusion happens when access is considered in everything we do, not as an add-on but as a core responsibility of Council.”

The Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2026–2029 builds on previous plans adopted by Council in 2011, 2014 and 2021.

Cr Nicholas said lessons from earlier plans have informed a more achievable, staged approach that better aligns with available resources and workload capacity.

“We’ve listened carefully to feedback from the community and from our staff,” she said.

“This Plan is both aspirational and realistic, with clearer priorities, stronger oversight and a focus on delivering meaningful outcomes.”

The Plan has been developed through extensive consultation with residents, community organisations, service providers and internal stakeholders.

Cr Nicholas said overall feedback was positive, with suggestions reviewed and incorporated where appropriate.

"Accessibility and inclusion are not stand‑alone projects – they are ongoing commitments,” Cr Nicholas said.

“This Plan helps guide our work over the next four years and supports our broader Council Plan and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.”

Implementation of the Plan will be supported by a separate Disability Access and Inclusion Action Plan, with realistic timeframes, clearer accountability and quarterly reporting to strengthen oversight and monitor progress.

To read the adopted Disability Access and Inclusion Plan, visit: Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2026-2029

To read the Action Plan, visit: Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2026-2029 Action Plan