Have Your Say: Coorong District Council’s New Disability Access & Inclusion Plan

Coorong District Council is inviting community feedback on its second Disability Access and Inclusion Plan, a vital document that guides the Council’s efforts to create a more inclusive and accessible community for all.

In seeking input from the community Coorong District Council’s Mayor Paul Simmons has emphasised the Council commitment to inclusion.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that every member of our community – regardless of ability – has equal access to Council services, opportunities to participate, and is considered in all aspects of our work. Creating an inclusive environment is essential to achieving this,” says Mayor Paul Simmons.

The development of this new plan follows the release of South Australia’s updated State Disability Inclusion Plan 2025–2029, launched on 22 August 2025. Under the Disability Inclusion Act 2018, all councils are required to review and update their own plans every four years, with the new plans to be completed, gazetted, and published in accessible formats by 14 February 2026.

The Council’s first plan – ‘Inclusive Coorong – Creating Thriving and Inclusive Communities’, was adopted in 2020 and laid the foundation for improving access and inclusion across the district.

The updated plan will build on this work, aligning with five key domains outlined in the State Plan:

1. Inclusive environments and communities – Ensuring people with disability can participate as equal citizens and feel connected to their communities.
2. Education and employment – Supporting inclusive education, equitable employment opportunities, and financial security.
3. Personal and community support – Providing tailored supports that meet individual needs.
4. Health and wellbeing – Promoting the highest possible health outcomes for people with disability.
5. Safety, rights and justice – Upholding rights and ensuring equal protection under the law.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, approximately 362 residents (6.6% of the Coorong population) require assistance due to a severe or profound disability. Additionally, 12.7% of residents provide unpaid care to someone with a disability, long-term illness, or due to age.

Coorong District Council is seeking feedback from people with disability, carers, service providers, organisations, and residents on the new plan. Community engagement will run from Monday, 27 October to Friday, 5 December 2025.

Ways to share feedback include:

• Attend a community drop in session: Friday, 7 November in the Tailem Bend Council Chambers from 10am - 12 noon
• Complete an online feedback form: https://www.coorong.sa.gov.au/stay-informed/community-engagement
• Via email (council@coorong.sa.gov.au)
• By post (PO Box 399, Tailem Bend SA 5260)
• In person at any Council office during normal hours

For more information or to get involved, please contact the Council’s Community Development Team on 1300 785 277 or visit www.coorong.sa.gov.au.

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Contact:

Bridget Mather

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | COORONG DISTRICT COUNCIL

Phone: 1300 785 277 | E: bmather@coorong.sa.gov.au