National Recognition for Brisbane City Council

The Hon. Jane Prentice MP, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services, today presented a Disability Access Award to Brisbane City Council for their work in implementing the Brisbane Access and Inclusion Plan.

The 2017 National Awards for Local Government were held at Parliament House in Canberra where Mrs Prentice said Brisbane City Council’s honour highlights innovative and resourceful solutions that make a difference for people with disability.

“The Brisbane Access and Inclusion Plan 2012-2017 makes access easier around Brisbane, so everyone can use public facilities and benefit from local government services,” Mrs Prentice said.

“Highlights of the Plan include an accessible bus and ferry fleet, platform upgrades, together with enhanced open spaces and accessible shopfronts and the ‘braille trail’ in Brisbane’s city centre.

“This is a great example of how effective planning and community engagement can achieve outcomes and I encourage all local governments to develop meaningful plans to help improve the lives of people with disability in their communities,” said Mrs Prentice.

“The Plan focused on five priority areas: pedestrian mobility and transport; planning, development and infrastructure; public buildings, venues and outdoor spaces; caring communities; and customer service and governance.”

“I would also like to acknowledge Tweed Shire Council which has been highly commended for their commitment to accessibility through the Inclusion Means Toilets project.

“Efforts such as these improve life for Australians with disability, maximising their potential, and helping them to participate as equal citizens in society.”

To see the winners of other categories, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/nalg