Local governments to receive disability accessibility funding

Local governments will share in $5 million to improve the accessibility of public facilities for people with disability in their communities.

Sixty-seven local councils will receive grants of up to $100,000 under the Australian Government’s Accessible Communities initiative.

The Accessible Communities program delivers practical support for local councils to ensure local people with disability, their families, friends and carers can get involved in community life.

This includes the provision of new access ramps and paths to community buildings, fully accessible playgrounds with specialised equipment for children with disability to enjoy, better access and specialised mobility equipment at public swimming pools and fully accessible public toilets across the country.

Local councils will match the Government dollar for dollar to deliver these projects over the next year.

The Federal Government is also providing digital playback devices in public libraries around the country, improving cinema access for people with hearing and vision impairment and encouraging the adoption of Universal Housing Design principles.

Accessible Communities is part of an $11 million accessibility package to support the National Disability Strategy.

6 June 2011.