murray river council disability inclusion action plan · the diap which has been developed by...

Version 1.4 : FINAL-July 2017

MURRAY RIVER COUNCIL

DISABILITY INCLUSION ACTION PLAN


TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3

2. BACKGROUND 3

3. POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT 4

DEFINITION 4 LEGISLATION 4

4. GUIDING PRINCIPLES 4

ROLE OF COUNCIL 5 EXECUTIVE RESPONSIBILITY & PROJECT COORDINATION 5 PLAN DEVELOPMENT 5 IMPLEMENTATION 5

5. DOCUMENT REVIEW 5

6. FUNCTION MAPPING-MULTI-DISCIPLINARY INPUT 7

7. CONSULTATION AND ENGAGEMENT 10

8. PRIORITIES AND SOLUTIONS 16

SUMMARY OF PRIORITIES 16

9. ACTION PLANNING 17

FOCUS AREA 1 DEVELOPING POSITIVE COMMUNITY ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOURS 17 FOCUS AREA 2 CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES 21 FOCUS AREA 3 SUPPORTING ACCESS TO MEANINGFUL EMPLOYMENT 23 FOCUS AREA 4 IMPROVING ACCESS TO SERVICES THROUGH BETTER SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES 23 REPORTING 24

10. CONCLUSION 26


1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Disability Inclusion Action Plan (the Plan) for Murray River Council includes background information, the legislation that underpins it, the principles that guide it and the Action Plan for implementation.

Council’s role in the development of the Plan and responsibility for its implementation is clearly outlined. The Plan builds upon current functions and projects that support inclusion. Council staff and the Mayor participated in the initial meeting to identify key functions and areas for improvement. This process assisted in assigning internal responsibility and endorsed integration with existing operations. The Plan is aligned with the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework, so that the expressed goals and actions will fit within the Community Strategic Plan, the four (4) year Delivery Program and each Annual Operational Plan.

The consultation process including individual interviews, workshops and a survey, involving people with disability, their carers and families, specialist and mainstream service providers and the wider community, was undertaken to identify and prioritise local needs and potential solutions in the four focus areas of the Plan:

Community Attitudes and Behaviours

Liveable Communities

Employment

Systems and processes

Solutions to identified needs are not solely the responsibility of Council and involve community organisations, specialist and mainstream providers, local businesses, people with disability themselves, and the wider community. The roles of Council in implementation of the actions range from leader, advocate, custodian, facilitator, educator, regulator through to service provider.

The final Action Plan incorporates risk management for each action or goal, measurable outcomes and specific links to a theme of the Community Strategic Plan which will be developed when the new Murray River Council is elected. It will be reported through Council’s Annual Report, and strategic plan reporting.

Council is committed to the creation of an inclusive community, and implementation of the actions will fulfil that responsibility.

2. BACKGROUND

The Murray River Council was formed in 2016 with the amalgamation of the former Murray and Wakool Shire Councils.

It covers an areas of 11,865 km2 and comprises the wards of Moama, Greater Murray and Greater Wakool and has

population of 11,465 who primarily reside in the towns of Moama, Mathoura, Barham, Moulamein.

As a newly amalgamated Council an Administrator has been appointed to carry out the functions of an elected Council.

Council elections will be held in September 2017. The Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) will be a stand-alone

action plan, the goals of which will be aligned with the Integrated Planning and Reporting framework once the

Community Strategic Plan and Delivery Program has been approved by the new Council after the 2017 election.

The DIAP which has been developed by Murray River Council, defines strategies and provides a planning framework to

promote inclusion and equity for people with disability, so they may fully participate in, and contribute to, social, business

and community life. The DIAP will enhance and complement the existing service provision within the area.

The main town in the Murray River Council is Moama which is on the NSW side of the Murray River with Echuca on the

Victorian side. The main business area of the Echuca-Moama urban area is situated in Echuca, so that access for many

residents of Moama and indeed, the Murray River Council as a whole is focussed in Echuca. For this reason, the priorities

for Murray River residents and visitors are around recreational, sporting and tourism venues and locations.

Murray River Council

Version 1.4 : FINAL July 2017

4

3. POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT

DEFINITION

In the context of the DIAP, ‘disability’ means a functional limitation or impairment, including cognitive, physical, mental,

sensory and functional deficits, which may be present from birth, acquired by accident or illness or due to the process

of ageing. The impairments or deficits may be temporary or permanent.

LEGISLATION

Direct service provision for people with disability by specialist and mainstream services (both government and non-

government) is underpinned by legislation and policy including but not limited to:

Principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of People with a Disability

Australian Government NDIS Act 2013

Australian Government Aged Care (Living Longer Living Better) Act 2013

NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977

NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014

The most recent legislation and amendments reflect a shift towards the view that, while a disability may affect the way

that a person interacts with others and their environment, it should not define a person and it should not limit their

capacity to become an integral part of the community. Although the rights of a person with a disability have been defined

as the same rights as those of all people since the early 1990s, it is understood that upholding these rights must include

promotion of individual choice about what is important to them, universal access to services and facilities and inclusive

communities where individuals can fully participate in social, business and community life.

These cultural and philosophical developments are embedded in the Australian Government NDIS Act 2013 and the NSW

Disability Inclusion Act 2014 which are complementary pieces of legislation dealing with funding of specialist supports

and community responsibility and response respectively.

The NDIS Act 2013 defines how reasonable and necessary supports are provided for all people with disability. The Act is

administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) which is currently rolling out across Australia.

The NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014 promotes the view that ‘inclusion’ is not only a goal for service providers and public

and private sector organisations, it is a responsibility of the whole community. It legislates for the rights of people with

disability to full participation in every-day life, with enhanced community connection, independence, empowerment and

wellbeing. It is the role of local government through a Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) to promote and support

inclusion in their communities.

The Murray River Council DIAP will have four (4) Focus Areas:

1. Positive community attitudes and behaviours

2. Liveable Communities (including physical access to buildings and facilities, and transport)

3. Supporting access to meaningful employment

4. Improving access to services through better systems and processes (which is about availability and accessibility

of information regarding services).

4. GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The DIAP will be underpinned by social justice principles, and the overall vision of the Council as it develops following

the election of the new Council. The Community Strategic Plan for the new Council will be framed within four themes of

Community, Economy, Environment and Governance and the DIAP actions will be aligned with these themes. (See table

below)

http://www.un.org/disabilities/convention/conventionfull.shtml

http://www.un.org/disabilities/convention/conventionfull.shtml

ttps://www.legislation.gov.au/

ttps://www.legislation.gov.au/

https://agedcare.health.gov.au/

https://agedcare.health.gov.au/

http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/

http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/

http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/acts

http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/acts

Disability Inclusion Action Plan

Prepared by Strategy to Action 5

ROLE OF COUNCIL

Council’s role in implementation of the DIAP will include

As Service Provider: Council has a strong commitment to delivering the services needed by its communities,

and ensuring that Council resources are responsibly managed. Council’s role as a service provider aims to

assist in building the long term health of the area.

As Leader: Council acts as a role model for others, through its own actions, strategic organisational responses

and way of doing things. In its dialogue with the communities and other stakeholders, Council can act to draw

together diverse interests and strive towards attaining greater consensus on sustainable outcomes.

As Advocate: Council seeks to improve services, facilities and opportunities for the local government area by

lobbying agencies and other levels of government. In discussions with others, there are opportunities to

reinforce the local sense of identity and self reliance, and collaborate on achieving sustainability.

As Facilitator: Council assists interaction amongst stakeholders, and forms strategic alliances aimed at

promoting sustainability initiatives focussing on elements including social, economic, environmental, cultural

and governance, which demonstrate positive ways of moving forward.

EXECUTIVE RESPONSIBILITY & PROJECT COORDINATION

Murray River Council supports the development and implementation of the DIAP. The General Manager has delegated

responsibility to Simon Arkinstall, Director Environmental Services for overall development of the DIAP and coordination

of community consultation.

PLAN DEVELOPMENT

Murray River Council engaged Strategy to Action to carry out the development of the plan through collation and analysis

of results of community consultation, identification of priorities, preparation of the DIAP Report (this report) and

development of goals and actions for a stand alone Action Plan and for future alignment with Council’s Integrated

Planning Framework.

IMPLEMENTATION

Responsibility for implementation and resourcing of the DIAP will be across all sections of Council as identified in

Function Mapping Section 6 and in the Action Plan Section 9.

Goals and strategies of Murray River Council are underpinned by four (4) themes which provide focus and direction for

the Integrated Planning and Reporting (IPR) framework. The four focus areas for the DIAP may be positioned within

those:

Murray River Community Strategic

Plan -themes

Focus Areas for DIAP

CSP1 (Community) Liveable communities Focus Area 2

Positive community attitudes and behaviours,

Focus Area 1

CSP2 (Environment) Liveable communities Focus Area 2

CSP3 (Economic) Supporting access to meaningful employment,

Focus Area 3

CSP4 (Governance) Improving access to services through better

systems and processes, Focus Area 4

5. DOCUMENT REVIEW



6

As a newly amalgamated Council, all current documents relating to the former Councils of Murray and Wakool are under

review.

Most significantly a review of all functions of Council is currently being undertaken, which provides descriptors of each

function area, identified areas for improvement, and responsibility for each service area. This document will underpin

the development of the Community Strategic Plan in the future.


6. FUNCTION MAPPING-MULTI-DISCIPLINARY INPUT


Version 1.4 : FINAL July 2017 8

KEY FUNCTION AREAS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MURRAY RIVER COUNCIL DISABILITY INCLUSION ACTION PLAN

DIRECTORATE AND FUNCTION AREAS: OFFICE OF THE GENERAL MANAGER: arts and cultural event, community development,

community services, public relations and communication, tourism, volunteer management, youth and family services

Community Development

Provide and facilitate range of programs, services, facilities and events to meet the needs of the various sectors of the community and support development of community groups and individuals (excludes services provided by funded Community Services activities)

Community Services

Community Services - Frail-aged Over 65: Provide programs and services to meet the needs of the frail aged over 65Community Services - disabled under 65:Provide disability under 65, FACS ADHC Community Support Program and Services to meet the needs of the disabled under 65Community Transport: Providing transport to over 65 frail aged, disabled under 65 and health related or transport isolated community members

Public Relations and Communication

Provide media and communication management for the Council

Tourism

Facilitate and promote tourism development in the Council area

Volunteer Management

Management of volunteer support services

DIRECTORATE AND FUNCTION AREAS: ENVIRONMENT : building services, camping areas and caravan parks, compliance administration, parks and

gardens, playgrounds, sports and recreational services and facil ities, strategic planning, swimming pools



Camping areas and Caravan Parks

Manage and maintain caravan parks and other facilities, and enforce legal responsibilities in accordance with relevant legislation.

Parks and Gardens

Management of the Council's parks & gardens, Recreation reserves, Cemeteries, trees, public open spaces, Natural reserves, streetscapes and associated miscellaneous assets in accordance with legislative requirements & public expectations.

Playgrounds

Provide and maintain safe and inviting playground assets that meet the needs and expectations of the community.

Sports and Recreational Services and Facilities

Provide a safe network of recreational facilities that meets the needs of the users to participate in a variety of sports and recreational activities.

Swimming Pools

To provide public bathing facilities to the community that meet health and safety requirements.

DIRECTORATE AND FUNCTION AREAS: ENGINEERING: asset management, emergency management, pedestrian/shared pathways,

Pedestrian/shared Pathways

Shared pathways construction and maintenance in accordance with MRC Bicycle Path plans, MRC policies and applicable design standards.

DIRECTORATE AND FUNCTION AREAS: CORPORATE: risk management, customer service, hr management, information communication technology services,

integrated planning and reporting, l ibrary services, work health safety

Customer Service

Provide front line office information responses and transactional services for internal and external customers including on behalf of agencies

HR management

Manage human resources policies, procedures and services for the organisation including the payroll process.

Library services

Provide access to information including books and other collections, facilities, equipment and Library Services to the Murray River Council community



7. CONSULTATION AND ENGAGEMENT

In seeking to more fully understand and identify the barriers to inclusion and seek solutions, information and input was sought from stakeholders. An online and hard copy

survey was distributed with a total of 36 responses from people with disability (0), carers (5), community members (11), service providers (10), sporting or leisure clubs (6),

local business or organisation (4)

A workshop for service providers was held on 18 January 2017, with 15 service providers attending. The group included health professionals, job agencies, specialist disability

service providers and a Murray River Councillor. A public forum on 18 January was held on 18 January with a limited response from people with disability. While this was

disappointing, it was felt that their needs were well represented by the service providers who were involved with the community in a variety of roles.

In all 55 people1 have provided input in the identification of the barriers to full participation.

1 Some people may have contributed in more than one way e.g completed survey plus attended forum.


Stakeholder Engagement Processes Issues identified Suggested Actions

People with disability and their carers and families and Mainstream and Specialist Service Providers: Consult.

People with disability and Carers

Mainstream and Specialist

Service Providers

Surveys February-March 2017

Attitudes and Behaviours:

Organisations and agencies do not recognise the skills

that people with disability have.

People with disability lack confidence.

Information regarding opportunities for participation in

everyday life is not readily available.

By seeing the person not the disability.

View people with disability as valuable

consumers.

By having someone on their

organisational structures to be the

designated Inclusion Officer.

More open invitations for people with

disabilities to attend functions/clubs.

Realise that access goes beyond

physical access and cultural change is

required to be generally more accepting

and welcoming of diversity.

Liveability and Access:

There is a lack of suitable and affordable transport and

inadequate amenities at facilities.

Event organisers do not always take the needs of people

with disability into account when planning an event.

Council offices are inaccessible to people confined to

wheel chairs.

Riverboats festival, Southern 80 no other areas to

watch the event other than finish line.

Make recreation reserves more

accessible (pathways, drinking fountains,

playgrounds, bins,).

Develop an inclusion checklist/audit tool

to determine current levels of inclusion

and room for improvement that can be

used for various locations/events.

If Council planners and engineers were

to sit in a wheelchair and be pushed

around the community it would be easy

to identify the issue areas



Amenities at Tooleybuc Recreation Reserve, Lockhart

Rd, Tooleybuc - Nil access provisions

A lot of people do not go on bus trips because they

have difficulty getting up the steps on buses.

It's not so much particular locations/events, but rather

the community culture/ perception around valuable

consumers.

Those areas with higher use might need to be

prioritised.

Timely notification of community events

and information around how to access

various services and activities would

greatly assist organisations in supporting

people with disabilities accessing the

community.

Employment:

Employers are unsure about how to modify a worksite or

design a job to accommodate a person with a disability.

Skills of people with disability are not recognised.

More information regarding employment

agencies for people with disabilities.

Ask the businesses - get their views -

ask them what can be done which would

enable /encourage them to employ

people with disabilities.

Mentoring of person with disability and

their supervisor, identification of skills

that the person has and job matching

that, financial support for employers.

Organisations need to look at their

employees’ skill set and pay level and

ensure that the tasks they do are

meaningful for that pay level creating

greater output.

Being open to hearing what people with

disability can offer to the organisation

and giving them a 'chance'.

Improve education within organisations

about people with disabilities.



Businesses and Councils need to lead

by example in this area.

Systems and Processes:

The internet and existing service providers was where

most people said they get information. Some looked at

directories, or asked their GP.

The ‘newspaper’ was suggested as a good

place to find information about events and

activities.

Specialist Disability & Mainstream Providers, Community members: Inform about DIAP and Council’s role, Consult about barriers; Involve in determining priorities,

Collaborate in making changes to ways that services are delivered

Specialist and mainstream

service providers:

Community Living and Respite

Services

Taskforce

Intereach

Campaspe Regional Library

Service

Campaspe Primary Care

Partnership

Department of Human Services

Advanced Personnel

Management

One & All Community project

Newtons Bus Service

Personnel Management

Service provider forum and

individual meetings: 1 March

Representatives from 10 local

specialist and mainstream

providers attended for in depth

evaluation of local barriers to full

participation. The providers

included transport, employment,

day programs, library services and

local inclusion project members.

These representatives also spoke

as community members more

broadly according to their personal

experiences.

Attitudes and Behaviours: One and All, a managed

project that has developed into a community based

organisation, that promotes inclusion, particularly in

areas of sport and education has some great programs,

initiatives, campaigns, knowledge and networks.

Welcoming Business audits for those businesses that

are signed up project members of the Primary Care

Partnership project, which also includes training,

breakfasts, audits, participation in Inclusion Day, (wear

orange day) information packs and fact sheets-helping

businesses to understand and respond to diverse

clientele. Accreditation stickers to participating

businesses which proclaim them ‘Welcoming

Businesses’.

Be educated about the importance of

being inclusive and the benefits it brings

to a community.


Transport is a huge issue. People living in outlying areas

and villages have no transport available for education or

employment, or social activities. Local service providers

thought that school buses could not be used by non-

students.

Communication methods and aids cannot always be used

to assist people, because customer service staff are

untrained. Campaspe Regional Library staff have been

MRC to gain an understanding of

Transport for NSW policy in relation to

regional transport.

MRC to lobby for better utilisation of

existing transport infrastructure

Could Communication Access training be

provided to key staff, e.g. Customer

Service staff?



trained; Community Living and Respite is an accredited

Communication Access service.

Campaspe Regional Library has a range of inclusive and

inclusion-promotion programs available and delivered

within Murray River Council area, including programs

targeting children.

MRC to promote the services and

programs provided by Campaspe Regional

Library

Employment : There are several employment services

supporting open employment; Council and other

businesses aren’t aware of the supports that are

available for employment of people with disability,

including on-site support, and ongoing

counselling/advice for a minimum of 6 months.

Council as employer: jobs not flexible, designed for

multi-skilling of higher paid employees for full time

employment; difficulties of recruitment process

Potential for jobs designed to suit the

skills, aptitudes and work times of people

with disability as well as cultural

differences.

Inclusive Employment Policy

incorporating: flexible

application/recruitment processes,

flexible/episodic hours, liaising with

employment agencies to access supports

and understanding of needs.

Systems and Processes:

Communication is key, within the Murray River Council

itself, between organisations and Murray River Council,

and with people with disability. Campaspe Regional

Library acts as an information point, but this is not

widely appreciated or understood within Murray River

Council staff.

Better cooperation with Campaspe

Regional Library.

Attendance at Network of Disability

Services meetings hosted by CLRS (NoDS)

will enhance opportunities for

collaboration and support.

Council staff: Inform, Consult, Involve, Empower

General Manager

Environmental Services

Human Resources-

Economic Development

Engineering

Library Manager

Community Services

Attitudes and Behaviours: Internal orientation for staff

could include understanding of need for internal and

external customers. Also promote an understanding that

disability is not always visible. Creation of Access and

Inclusion committee/group with Councillor and

community representation. Audit of facilities and

identification of priorities for physical access.

Council staff to consider Welcoming

Business Workshops or other appropriate

training;

Council to consider contribution to

inclusion projects such as One and All, in

order to make use of the knowledge,

training and opportunities afforded by

them.




PAMPs have guided improvements to kerb ramps in

Moama, may need to be reviewed for other towns. 50-50

funding no longer available for kerb ramps (funding now

managed by Transport NSW), but it is for pedestrian

refuges. Refuges are 100% funded on State Roads.

Retrofitting of tactile indicators is extremely expensive.

Public buses have wheelchair access and lifts can be let

down at bus shelters. Community transport funding is

available for social activities for transport disadvantaged.

Question over ADHC funding for transport for people

with disability, with the introduction of the NDIS.

Community transport drivers would be a good source of

information in relation to disability parking, and access

to various facilities/ services.

Would it be possible to incorporate

footpath or kerb ramp audits into the

annual maintenance inspection program

as per Transport Assets Policy?

And could these audits be guided by

advice from proposed Access and Inclusion

Committee.

Annual Transport forum attended by

Campaspe, Murray River and Edward

River Councils to provide an opportunity

to identify and resolve some of the

transport issues by cooperative

management of transport services, and/or

by united lobbying of Councillors for

improved transport options.

Employment: EEO policy and recruitment processes

could be reviewed to ensure that people with disability

are encouraged to apply. There are very few job agencies

that are available, and Council does not recruit through

them as a rule. However personal relationships

developed with service providers does provide an

avenue for understanding Council’s application

processes.

Council staff, especially HR staff, to liaise

with employment agencies to identify

opportunities for more flexible and

inclusive employment.

Systems and Processes: Council website is currently

being updated and will be more accessible. Development

of a communication strategy to make information

available in a variety of ways. Possibility for links on

website to community directories maintained by

external service providers.


8. PRIORITIES AND SOLUTIONS

SUMMARY OF PRIORITIES

Returned surveys and consultation meetings presented a clear picture of priorities with some suggestions and solutions

Attitudes and Behaviours: Education is identified as the key process for enhancing inclusion, for businesses as well as

sporting and recreational and leisure operators. [Action 1.1] This is currently being undertaken by One and All, based in

Echuca but providing services in Moama and Murray River Council area. The inclusion project, Welcoming Business,

auspiced by Campaspe Primary Care Partnership has done much to raise awareness in both Campaspe and Murray River

Council areas, including undertaking inclusion audits, providing community education for signed up members of the

project, awarding Welcoming Business stickers to compliant businesses. [ACTION 1.6] Awareness of the needs of people

with disability and an understanding of what inclusion means could be provided to Council staff as part of the orientation

staff [ACTION 1.5], through internal ‘campaigns’ or mentoring, or through the appointment of an ’Inclusion Officer’

[ACTION 1.6]. An Inclusion and Access Committee would do much to raise awareness and change attitudes and

behaviours throughout the community. [ACTION 1.2, 1.4 & 1.5]. Review of the annual community grants process could

encourage organisations to identify social inclusion as a criterion in improvements to facilities or events and activities.

[ACTION 1.2]

Liveability: Physical access has improved but there is a need for a coordinated approach to design of public facilities

and public spaces. There was a focus on recreation areas such as the Tooleybuc Reserve. [ACTION 2.4] Improvements to

kerb ramps and crossings have been identified as a need. An Inclusion and Access committee could provide advice to

Council on priorities for access. [ACTION 2.5 & 2.6] There may be an opportunity to review plans of former Councils.

Transport is a major issue for people living in outlying areas and villages. There could be better utilisation and

coordination of transport services. [ACTION 2.1 & 2.2] There are opportunities for cooperating with adjacent Councils to

have an annual forum to identify potential improvements, distribution of knowledge about services and contributions

that may be able to be made utilising Council vehicles for better access to special events. It may be necessary to lobby

both VIC and NSW State governments for improvements and/or better coordination of services in NSW with those in VIC

as there is a trend for people across the border to travel to Melbourne, rather than Sydney which is much further.

Employment: An understanding of what ‘disability’ may look like is key, along with a belief in the contribution that can

be made. Some excellent community projects have raised awareness, and positive implementation of an inclusive

recruitment policy and re-design of some jobs would provide opportunities for Council to be a leader in this regard.

[ACTION 3.1] The learning process extends far outside the person who is employed, to Council staff and customers.

Liaison with local employment agencies, including those working with people with disability, could lead to Council being

a leader in inclusive employment. [ACTION 3.2] There are also opportunities for a review of recruitment processes, job

design and policies around inclusion generally within Council.

Systems and Processes: Communication between Council and community and other government service providers can

be improved. Council is a key first point of contact for residents and visitors to the area. [ACTION 1.6] It is critical for

Council staff to have awareness of specialist services or where to get that information, of which tourist attractions,

accommodation and other services have disability guaranteed disability access. [ACTION 2.3 & 4.2] Staff should also be

trained in how to respond to a person with a disability, particularly in the areas of expressive and receptive

communication, and where customers may be using communication aids. We should be moving away from the idea that

a person with a disability is someone in a wheelchair. Campaspe Library acts as an information point for disability

services, and provides these services in Murray River Council areas, so Murray River Council could promote the capacity

for distribution of information. [ACTION 4.1] Attendance at disability service providers network meetings would enhance

Council’s understanding and awareness of services and supports available. Potential for improvements as Council’s

website is developed. [ACTION 4.3]. Council’s website is an important source of information and needs to be up to date

and accessible. [ACTION 4.4 & 4.5].


9. ACTION PLANNING

FOCUS AREA 1 DEVELOPING POSITIVE COMMUNITY ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOURS

Item for improvement Priority Council Role &

Responsibility

Measurable outcomes CSP Theme

Strategic Objective: Council will provide support for community organisations to enhance wellbeing and social cohesion. Actions: 1.1 Provide direct support for the One and All inclusion organisation’s projects through:

An annual financial contribution to the projects carried out by One and All

Participation in and promotion of One and All activities including wearing orange on “Inclusion Day”

1.2 Review approval process and criteria for Council Community Grants. Applicants to identify how their project will enhance inclusion and contribute to participation in everyday life.

MED MED

As Leader, Facilitator and Advocate Office of the General Manager: Community Development

1.1 Financial contribution allocated to One and All; Participation in two (2) One and All inclusion activities annually

1.2 Changes made to approvals process

Community

Risk: 1.1 Council funding is not allocated and/or staff not committed to participation and support 1. 2 Applicants may not understand what inclusion looks like and how to promote it within their projects

*Rating: 1.1 MODERATE 1.2 MODERATE

Risk Management: 1.1 Identify budget resourcing; allocate support task to staff member and include in KPIs for his/her. 1.2 Ensure that the contact person is able to explain this, and has examples of inclusive practices to assist in understanding.



Strategic Objective: Council will support projects and activities that promote equitable access and inclusion throughout the community, for visitors and residents

Actions: 1.3 Facilitate the creation of a S355 Access and Inclusion Committee with membership including: Councillor representative Representative from Engineering Department Community representatives including people

with disability Note: Terms of reference for Access & Inclusion Committee will include but are not limited to:

Providing information and advice to Council on access and inclusion issues as needed

Developing short (annual) and long term( four (4) years) goals to address inclusion priorities

Promote inclusion within the broader community through support for relevant inclusion activities and events

Encourage inclusion with the development of an ‘inclusion audit’ tool to help organisations, businesses or other groups ‘measure’ their progress

1.4 Support and fund the development of one (1) local awareness raising campaign by the S355 Access and Inclusion Committee each year.

HIGH LOW

As Leader, Advocate and Facilitator Office of the General Manager: Community Development, Community Services

1.3 Access and Inclusion Committee created. 1.4 One (1) local awareness campaign supported by the Access and Inclusion Committee

S. 355 Committees: Governance

Risk: 1.3 Difficulty in recruiting membership with sufficient understanding of access and inclusion. 1.4 No funding allocated to Access and Inclusion Committee and/or no appropriate local campaign.

Rating: 1.3 MODERATE 1.4 MODERATE

Risk Management: 1.3 Seek support for membership and recruitment from existing inclusion advocates or specialist support providers. 1.4 Apportion a small annual budget amount to be allocated to a campaign to be chosen by the Committee. If no suitable local campaign, the funding could be allocated to distribution of fact sheets about inclusion.

Strategic Objective: The functions of Murray River Council will be managed by an efficient, experienced, qualified and supported workforce .

Actions:

HIGH

As Provider and Leader Corporate: Human Resources, Customer Services

1.5 Council-wide education provided.

Community



1.5 Undertake to provide Council-wide education in relation to the Disability Inclusion Action Plan and its goals and outcomes 1.6 Ensure customer service staff receive training in relation to communication with people with disability, including the use of communication aids/boards. 1.7 Appoint a staff member as an Inclusion Officer who can undertake training and provide information throughout Council on improving inclusion

MED

1.6 Customer service staff receive training in communication with people with disability 1.7 A staff member is appointed, and training undertaken

Risk: 1.5 and 1.6 Unable to source good education program, or educator; cost of program too high with competing training agendas.

Rating: 1.5 & 1.6 LOW

Risk Management: 1.5 Include information about inclusion in Council’s staff orientation Seek online handouts to provide to staff; 1.6 Seek assistance from Community Living and Respite and/or Campaspe Library Service who have qualified staff; See opportunities for shared training opportunities.

Strategic Objective: Murray River Council will work to promote and support economic and business opportunities to sustain the prosperity of the area.

Actions: 1.7 Partner with Primary Care Partnership to promote and support appropriate projects through: Funding the preparation and distribution of

information packs to businesses regarding inclusion

Providing venues for business meetings Support activities that provide education about

inclusion to businesses

MED

As Provider Office of the General Manager: Community Development, Community Services

1.7 Support provided to Primary Care Partnership activities


Risk: 1.7 Funds not available; Welcoming Business projects discontinued.

Rating: 1.7 LOW

Risk Management: 1.7 Seek to provide in kind support, or incorporate into existing budget allocations; seek other opportunities for promoting education of businesses in relation to inclusion.



*In seeking to allocate a risk rating, reference is made to the Hierarchy of risk2. The risk may relate to outcome of the strategy i.e. the outcome not being

achieved, or to Council as a financial risk, a legal or industrial liability, WHS risk, or risk to Council’s reputation.

2 Appendix 3



FOCUS AREA 2 CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES


Responsibility

Outcome CSP Theme

Strategic Objective: Residents and visitors to Murray River Council area will have access to a range of public transport options, including to cross-border destinations.

Actions 2.1 Facilitate an annual transport forum to identify and respond to transport issues which limit opportunities for people with disability or who are transport-disadvantaged to participate in everyday activities, employment or social events, which will include representatives from:

Local transport operators Adjacent Councils (Campaspe and Edward

River) Community transport services Transport for NSW Victorian Public Transport Users of public transport

2.2 Review the use of Community Transport funding to ensure maximum outputs for social connection and participation for transport disadvantaged, including people with disability and frail older people.

HIGH MED

As Facilitator Office of the General Manager: Community Development, Community Services

2.1 Transport Forum organised and held. 2.2 Community Transport can report social transport opportunities for people with disability in the context of the DIAP.

Community

Risk: 2.1 Transport stakeholders may not participate 2.2 Limited CT funding

Rating: 2.1 MODERATE 2.2 MODERATE

Risk Management: 2.1 Contact stakeholders individually to invite them and explain the benefits which may accrue; identify best time for such a meeting, which will suit transport providers. 2.2 Prioritise and maximise use of funding, possibly including collaboration with other providers.

Strategic Objective:

As Provider




Residents and visitors to Murray River Council area will have access to accurate and current information about tourism services, events and locations.

Actions: 2.3 Train customer service staff and volunteers including those who work in the Visitor Centre, in the availability of disability access to local tourist spots, accommodation and other local venues or special events, so that accurate information can be provided.

HIGH

Office of the General Manager: Tourism, Volunteer Management

2.3 Customer service and Visitor Centre volunteers can report better knowledge of disability access. Positive feedback received from customers.

Risk: 2.3 Information about access may be difficult to get, or may be inaccurate.

Rating: 2.3 MODERATE

Risk Management: 2.3 Seek assistance from volunteers to visit venues and record outcomes of their assessment; seek support from Access and Inclusion Committee; seek feedback from visitors with a disability.

Strategic Objective: Murray River Council will identify and seek to ensure access to all its buildings and facilities for residents and visitors

Actions 2.4 Review and identify priorities which are recommended in the Welcoming Business audit carried out in 2016 of the Moama Council Office, Visitor and Business Centre, Mathoura, and Council Offices in Mathoura.

HIGH

As Provider Engineering: Building Services

2.4 Goals are set which are based on the audit, and implemented

Community

Risk: 2.4 Unable to fund recommendations; recommendations may not be practical for Council.

Rating: 2.4 HIGH

Risk Management: 2.4Prioritise goals and incorporate into maintenance program; identify alternative ways to meet inclusion objectives which are more cost effective.

Strategic Objective: Murray River Council will provide and maintain recreation, leisure and sporting spaces/places for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.

Actions: 2.5 Facilitate the creation of a S355 Access and Inclusion Committee (See 1.3) 2.6 Council to seek feedback from Access and Inclusion Committee when planning infrastructure, or prioritising maintenance particularly in the areas of:

Kerb ramps, crossings, footpaths Access to recreational and public spaces such as

parks and river walks Playgrounds and sporting fields

HIGH

As Provider Environment: Camping areas and caravan parks, parks and gardens

2.5 Access and Inclusion Committee created as a S355 Committee of Council. Meetings held as scheduled and minutes provided to Council. 2.6Feedback provided to infrastructure and maintenance planning as included in Committee minutes.

Community



Swimming pool

Risk: 2.5 See above (1.3) 2.6 Committee may have recommendations and/or advice for infrastructure which do not comply with Australian Standards and other requirements for Council construction and works;

Rating: 2.6 HIGH

Risk Management : 2.6 Seek alternative and compliant ways to meet the inclusion goals that have been suggested by the Committee, so that their goals can be met.

FOCUS AREA 3 SUPPORTING ACCESS TO MEANINGFUL EMPLOYMENT


Responsibility

Outcome CSP Theme

Strategic Objective: The functions of Murray River Council will be managed by an efficient, experienced, qualified and supported workforce .

Actions: 3.1 Review recruitment processes, HR policies and job design so that employment of people with disability is facilitated, whether through employment agencies, or external advertising of positions. 3.2 Liaise with employment agencies, particularly those who support open employment of people with disability so that opportunities for work with Council are identified.

MED MED

As Provider Corporate: Human Resources

3.1 Changes to recruitment processes and policies are made. 3.2 Contact made with employment agencies and suggestions for improvements documented.

Governance

Risk: 3.1 Minimal risk 3.2 Appropriate positions in Council are not available.

Rating: 3.2 MODERATE

Risk Management: 3.2 Consider redesigning some positions to take advantage of the contribution that can be made by people with identified skills.

FOCUS AREA 4 IMPROVING ACCESS TO SERVICES THROUGH BETTER SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES



Item for improvement Priority Council Role Outcome CSP Theme

Strategic Objective: Residents and visitors to Murray River Council area will have access to accurate and current information about mainstream and specialist services

Actions: 4.1 Work with Campaspe Library Services and CLRS to ensure that the information they provide within the MRC area is in accordance with MRC service provision 4.2 Ensure Customer Service staff including volunteers at the Visitor Centre, receive training about where to find information for customers about specialist and mainstream services. 4.3 Relevant Council staff attend Network of Disability Services (NoDS) meetings to maintain an awareness of service provision in the area. 4.4 Ensure Council website is compliant with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 (WCAG) 4.5 Ensure Council website has links to appropriately maintained information sites such as Intereach Service Directory and CLRS to ensure information is provided in a variety of formats to meet the needs of people with disability.

LOW MED HIGH MED MED

Provider and/or Facilitator Corporate: Customer Service, information Communication Technology, Library Services

4.1 MR Council staff are aware of services provided by Campaspe Library Services. 4.2 Customer service and Visitor Information Centre staff and volunteers know where to find information about specialist and mainstream services. 4.3 Four (4) NoDS meetings attended annually. 4.4 Website meets WCA guidelines 4.5 Links available on website

Community

Risk: 4.1 Minimal risk 4.2 Information not readily available 4.3 Staff not able to attend 4.4 Cost of compliance with WCAG is considered too high 4.5 Links are to directories that are not current

Rating: 4.2 & 4.5 LOW 4.3 LOW 4.4 MODERATE

Risk Management: 4.2 & 4.5 Community Services staff liaise with agencies to identify ways that information can be readily available and up to date. 4.3 Delegate an alternate attendee for at least 4 x NoDS meetings per year 4.4 Seek external funding for Website compliance.

REPORTING



The Annual Report will include information on achievement of goals as outlined in the Annual Operational Plan. Reporting on the Operational Plan and Delivery Program is

carried out six-monthly and adopted by Council.


10. CONCLUSION

Murray River Council, as a newly amalgamated Council is in the early stages of developing a broad focus for the very

large area it covers. Consolidation of the roles of staff in the two previous Councils is underway, and a review of

Council functions is being undertaken, which will facilitate this. The function and service review supports the function

mapping and identifies those areas where improvements for inclusion can begin.

Consultation was broad, particularly in relation to service providers and it became clear that services based in Victoria

are also providing to the Murray River Council area, so there are opportunities for Council to work together with them

to enhance inclusion in its own area.

On the other hand, many residents of the Murray River Council area attend to business, shop, and pursue leisure

activities in the Campaspe Shire area, especially in Echuca. So that reinforces the need for cooperation, particularly in

relation to transport.

Tourism is an important feature of the area, and many of the improvements suggested relate to information about and

access to tourist attractions. Access to many places was fragmented and inconsistent.

Discussions held with Council staff across the function areas have established inclusion as a strong Council value, which

will continue to develop and grow as the Actions are planned and implemented.



APPENDIX 1 DIAP SURVEY



28

MURRAY RIVER COUNCIL

DISABILITY INCLUSION ACTION PLAN SURVEY

Murray River Council is developing a Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), with the objective of ensuring that

people with disability have every opportunity to fully participate in the social, community and business life of Moama

and the surrounding area, towns and villages. The DIAP will have four (4) Focus Areas: 1. Positive community

attitudes and behaviours; 2. Liveable Communities; 3. Supporting access to meaningful employment; 4. Improving

access to services through better systems and processes.

Are you or do you represent: (Tick which applies)

☐A person with a disability ☐Carer or family member

☐Specialist disability service provider ☐Mainstream service provider

☐Local business or organisation ☐Sporting, Leisure, Club ☐Community member

Focus Area 1 What are some of the barriers that are faced by people with disability seeking to participate in

community life?

Organisations and agencies do not recognise the skills that people with disability can bring

People with disability may lack confidence and find it difficult to participate without some initial supports

Information regarding opportunities for participation is not readily available

How can local organisations and the community in general, become more inclusive?

Focus Area 2: What barriers are faced by people with disability in accessing places, events, activities and programs

in your community? (tick as many as you like)

Lack of suitable and affordable local transport

Inadequate amenities at facilities

Event organisers do not take into consideration the physical needs of people with disability

Inadequate disability parking

Are there some locations or events that could be improved in terms of access? If so in what way?

Are there locations where footpaths and pedestrian crossings could be improved?



Focus Area 3 What difficulties are faced by people with disability when looking for work? (tick as many as you like)

Information about jobs is not readily available in appropriate formats

Job agencies have limited support available for people with disability seeking work

Employers are unsure about how to modify a worksite or the job to accommodate the needs of a person with disability

Employers and/or local organisations seeking volunteers do not recognise the skills and experience of people with disability

What are some ways that businesses and organisations can be supported to employ people with disability?

Focus Area 4 Where do you generally find information about services for people with disability?

On the internet

Murray River Council website and directory

Other directory

In the local paper

From an existing service provider

From a health professional (doctor or nurse)

What would be the best way for you to be able to find information about services or things that are happening around

the region?

Anything else that you would like to see as a priority for people with disability to participate in everyday life?

Would you like to be involved in a forum where some of these issues can be addressed and solutions can

be worked out? Yes ☐ No ☐

If you wish to be involved, please provide your name and contact details:

Forms may be posted using the self-addressed envelope provided, or left at any of Council’s branch offices.



30

APPENDIX 3 HIERARCHY OF RISK MATRIX



Consequences

Likelihood Catastrophic Major Moderate Minor Insignificant

Almost

Certain EXTREME EXTREME HIGH HIGH MODERATE

Likely EXTREME EXTREME HIGH MODERATE LOW

Possible EXTREME HIGH HIGH MODERATE LOW

Unlikely HIGH HIGH MODERATE LOW LOW

Rare MODERATE MODERATE LOW LOW LOW



32

APPENDIX 4

CONSULTATION ADVERTISEMENT



Disability Inclusion Action Planning.

In accordance with the Disability Inclusion Act 2014, the NSW Government is committed

to disability inclusion in order to build a strong and equitable community.

The NSW Government supports the fundamental right of all people to make choices about

how they live their lives, to access opportunities and enjoy the benefits of living and

working in our society. Sometimes this can be difficult for people with disability because

of ta lack of understanding by individuals and organisations, the physical difficulties of

getting to and into places, finding employment that takes their special needs into account,

and getting information they need.

Murray River Council is developing a Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) which aims

to provide strategies and a planning framework for achieving these goals.

The Plan will have the objective of ensuring that people with disability have every

opportunity to fully participate in the social, community and business life of the Murray

River Council area.

In the context of the DIAP, we are not just looking at people with a diagnosed or permanent

disability, but anyone in the community for whom there are barriers to achieving full

participation, whether these are the result of physical, cognitive or sensory disability,

mental health, chronic illness or ageing.

Council will be seeking information and feedback from a range of sources during

February-March through widely distributed surveys. In addition, Council’s consultants,

Strategy to Action, will be working with disability groups and individuals as well as service

providers, to gain more detailed information about how best to continue to break down

barriers for people with disability.

For further information about this process contact Simon Arkinstall

[email protected] at Murray River Council or Robyn Condon at Strategy

to Action [email protected] 0429848765

Surveys are available at…..

Completed hard copy surveys may be left at …….

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

murray river council disability inclusion action plan · the diap which has been developed by...

Documents