Improved accessible facilities at Manly Dam and Collaroy Beach and Rockpool as well as the renewed Tramshed Community Centre and inclusive playground in Narrabeen were just some of the key initiatives completed in Northern Beaches Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan in 2018/19.

Mayor Michael Regan said Council had made strong progress in the second year of its Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2017-2021.

“Northern Beaches streets, parks and reserves are more easily accessible for people with impaired or reduced mobility. From Manly to Palm Beach accessible facilities from kerb ramps and footpaths to buildings and playgrounds are getting better and better,” Mayor Regan said.

“Through our plan, we aim to support and develop positive community attitudes and behaviours and support the creation of liveable communities for people with disability or living with impairments.”

Council has 78 actions in the Plan, many of them ongoing as part of Council’s role in building an inclusive community. Of the actions with a timeframe, 12 are complete, eight of them during 2018/19.

The upgraded Tramshed Community Centre was re-opened at Narrabeen with lifts and four accessible amenities across the two buildings. It was complemented by the new inclusive playground and public amenities at Berry Reserve.

Other accessibility improvements included a new inclusive playground at Tania Park, Balgowlah; Manly Dam amenities, stairs and boardwalk; hoists and wheelchairs at Aquatic Centres; trails at Narrabeen Lagoon and Dee Why coast walk; pedestrian bridge at Brands Lane Warriewood, and 12 bus stops across the area.

“Disability inclusion has also been built into how Council plans projects, engages with the community, runs events and programs, provides online content and considers applications for Council funding,” Mayor Regan said.

Work underway in 2018/19 on making facilities more accessible included improvements to the North Narrabeen rockpool, including the boardwalk and replacing the stairs with a ramp. 

As well, a major refurbishment of the Beacon Hill Community Centre and Youth Club was underway, as was a major upgrade of the Lionel Watts Reserve.

In 2018/19, Council provided a range of programs and projects supporting disability awareness, including establishing an Inclusion Award category in the Northern Beaches Local Business Awards.

Council also employs a Community Development Officer who provides information for people with disability, their families and carers through a monthly Disability Newsletter.

Council also coordinates a range of activities in partnership with local groups and services, often around key national days including International Day of People with Disability, Mental Health Awareness Week and National Carers Week.

Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan is reviewed and updated every four years and is available on Council’s website.

Media Enquiries: media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au 9942 2678