Access and Inclusion Funding Boost in 23/24 Budget

Published on Wednesday, 9 August 2023 at 9:08:13 AM

Access and inclusion in the Shire of Denmark received a boost last week with the adoption of the 2023/24 budget allocating more than $30,000 to disability, access and inclusion projects and deliverables.

Work is soon to get underway on a major review of the Shire’s Disability, Access and Inclusion Plan (most recently reviewed in 2018), with additional funding allocated for initiatives to deliver it.

The goal of the review is to deploy a comprehensive engagement strategy to ensure people who might not always have their voices heard get the chance to have their say. The Shire plans to offer a variety of avenues for community members to engage with the review, including face-to-face and over the phone interviews, community forums and surveys.

In addition to the annual offerings of accessible activities and programs at the Denmark Recreation Centre and the Denmark Public Library, including International Day of People with Disability events, the Shire is also excited to have some projects already in the works for delivery within the financial year.

Regular visitors to the Denmark Recreation Centre will have noticed work on the main entrance of the building with the installation of electric sliding doors due to be completed very soon. This project will ensure improved accessibility to the Denmark Recreation Centre, for people with limited mobility, wheelchair users, families with prams and others.

Concept drawings have also been completed for the all-abilities accessible jetty at Nornalup, which is expected to be installed and ready for community use by the end of 2023.

The upgrades underway at Prawn Rock Channel, also due for completion by the end of the year, will feature an accessible toilet block like the one installed at Lights Beach, better providing for community members of all abilities at the popular recreational area.

Denmark Shire President Ceinwen Gearon said improving accessibility within the Shire of Denmark will be an on-going effort.

“There’s always more that can be done to ensure our public buildings and spaces are inclusive for everyone, but I’m glad to see some great steps being made at some of our most popular recreational spots such as our thriving Rec Centre and Prawn Rock Channel,” Dr Gearon said.

“I’m also quite excited to see the new jetty out at Nornalup because I think when it’s complete, there’ll be a lot of excitement in our community to get out on the Frankland River amongst the beautiful Karri trees thanks to an improved launching facility for boats, kayaks and other water crafts.”

Important Links:

Denmark Recreation Centre: https://www.denmark.wa.gov.au/community/recreation-centre.aspx

Denmark Public Library: https://www.denmark.wa.gov.au/community/Library-Services.aspx  

Current DAIP: https://www.denmark.wa.gov.au/community/disability-access-and-inclusion/disability-access-and-inclusion-plan.aspx

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