The DIAP aims to support the inclusion of people with a disability in the community and improve access to services and facilities for people with a disability. 

It focuses on four key areas: attitude and behaviour, liveable communities, employment and systems and processes.

Bathurst Regional Council developed the plan through community consultation over a four-month period from November 2016.

It sourced feedback through an online survey, speaking with community groups and engaging with council managers, the Bathurst Regional Access Committee and people with disabilities, families and carers. 

Some of the proposed actions from council in the plan are to raise awareness of the contributions people with a disability make to the community, continue improving accessibility in the community and to provide accessible and inclusive events.

The draft DIAP is on public exhibition until May 18 at the Civic Centre, Bathurst Library and council’s website. 

Access committee chairman Bob Triming said people need to read the plan and make sure it has all the inclusions needed for people with a disability.

“It is crucial that everyone provides input into it because we don’t just want the opinion of a couple of people,” he said.

Mr Triming made a submission during the planning process and was part of the access committee’s discussions with council, but said he still intends to read the draft and make another submission if necessary. 

“I urge everyone to read it,” he said.

“I’ve got it on my agenda to take a look at it. Even though I put in a 12-page submission in during the planing stage, I’m still going to be keen to closely study it to see that it has all the inclusions that I and the access committee wanted.”

He said the access committee focused on physical access to locations, but other businesses with expertise in other areas may be able to offer more input.