The Disability Action Plan 2025-2029 (DAP) outlines Council's commitment to creating a more inclusive, accessible and equitable community for people living with disability, placing lived experience at the centre of planning and action.

Building on the achievements of the Access and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025, this Plan sets a clear direction for the next 4 years by placing lived experience at the centre of planning and action.

The Plan is closely aligned with the Council Plan 2025-2029 and the Healthy, Safe and Resilient Bass Coast Plan 2025-2029. Together these documents form an integrated approach that ensures inclusion is embedded across Council's services, programs and infrastructure.

The DAP recognises the importance of working in partnership with community and sector leaders and takes a whole-of-Council approach to strengthening access, participation and wellbeing.

Developing the Plan

During the initial engagement period, Council engaged with over 400 people including children and people living with disability to determine the key themes that would inform the Healthy, Safe & Resilient Bass Coast Plan 2025-2029 and the Disability Action Plan 2025-2029.

Further engagement with key stakeholders and the broader community during Stage 2 helped to refine the Plan.

Some of the key priorities raised during the consultation included mental health, vaping, gambling harm, transport, affordability, and everyday infrastructure such as roads, lighting, toilets, safer and more accessible roads and footpaths, playgrounds and recreation spaces designed with accessibility and neurodiversity in mind, stronger recognition of carers, and disability-specific emergency planning.

Older adults emphasised the importance of aquatics, age-friendly spaces, and transport access, while young people sought more action on recreation, transport, and career pathways. Stakeholders also asked for clearer accountability, defined partners, and stronger monitoring.

Both Plans have been strengthened across these priority areas in response to what we heard during the consultation.

Read the Summary Report from Stage 2 of Engagement.

Thank you!

We would like to thank the Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee, the Bass Coast Service Providers and the wider community for their feedback and input into the development of this Plan.

We look forward to continuing to work together to make Bass Coast accessible and inclusive for everyone in our community.