Thank you for sharing for your thoughts on how Yarra Ranges can be a more inclusive, accessible and equitable place for everyone! Our vision is that Yarra Ranges is a place where people with disability can fulfil their potential as equal citizens now and into the future.

The current Equity Access and Inclusion Strategy (Disability Action Plan) is coming to an end.

Yarra Ranges Access, Equity and Inclusion Strategy 2013-2023 outlined Council’s vision and goals regarding disability access, equity and inclusion within our community. Within the strategy is an ongoing Disability Action Plan (DAP) and it outlines the actions both Council and Community are working towards achieving.

One key aim of the current strategy is to ensure information and communication from Council is accessible to everyone. To reinforce this commitment, Council in collaboration with the Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) wish to rename the relevant legislated document to the Yarra Ranges Disability Action Plan (DAP). This move underscores Council’s dedication to promote, advance and celebrate disability access, equity and inclusion across Yarra Ranges.

Recapping the 2013–2023 Strategy

We’re proud to share a video highlighting some of the achievements of the Yarra Ranges Equity, Access, and Inclusion Strategy (Disability Action Plan) 2013–2023.

This plan outlined our commitment to improving disability access and to advance equity and inclusion for people with disability.

This video (and related reports) share some of the highlights, achievements, and reflections of Council throughout the Strategy's lifecycle. Council has completed many projects that contribute to access, equity, and inclusion across the Yarra Ranges, it should be noted that this report does not feature all of them.

You can read more about how we acheived our goals here.

Consultation for the future DAP

Through completing our survey, adding a photo or comment or joining one of our recent focus groups, we have heard from many members of our community who live, study, work or play in Yarra Ranges and have a disability, a long-term health condition and/or chronic illness, or are unpaid carers or service provider.

Follow this page to stay updated on this project.

How did people get involved?

Between 4 February and 10 March 2024, residents in Yarra Ranges found out about the engagement and got involved in the following ways...

What we heard.

The Community highlighted several key themes for consideration in the upcoming DAP. The themes are listed alphabetically.

  • Accessible tourism

    Yarra Ranges is a welcoming destination for all visitors.

  • Customer Experience

    The latest technology is available to provide an improved customer experience

    • Emergency Management

      People with a disability and unpaid carers are included at all stages of Emergency Management planning and delivery.

    • Festivals and Events / Local Businesses

      Community events and local businesses have access to Information and capacity building opportunities.

    • Housing

      Temporary/permanent housing affordability, availability, and suitability for people with disability.

    • Information

      The information required is readily available and in accessible formats.

    • Infrastructure

      Increased accessibility in relation to:

      • Changing Places toilets
      • Footpaths
      • Trails
      • Seating
      • Shade
      • Safe pedestrian crossings
      • Accessible parking

      Recreational facilities

    • Public Transport

      Accessible public transport

      Adequate infrastructure leading to public transport.

      Increased public transport options across Yarra Ranges.

    • Safety

      Lighting near recreation equipment and around shopping precincts is improved.

    • Social connection and wellbeing

      People with a disability and unpaid carers have access to local programs to enhance social connection and wellbeing.

    • Youth Employment

      Pathways for young people with disability to support workforce entry.