For further information contact Mornington Peninsula Shire Community Access Planner Telephone 5950 1685 Email: Web: TTY users: phone 133 677 then ask for 5950 1689 Speak & Listen (speech-to-speech) users: phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 5950 1685 Internet relay users: connect to NRS on then ask for 5950 1685 Acknowledgements “In the spirit of respect, the Mornington Peninsula Shire acknowledges the Boonwurrung/Bunurong members of the Kulin Nation, who have traditional connections for the land on which Council meets”. you to all the members of Mornington Peninsula Shire (MPS) community that have contributed to the development of the 2013 – 2017 Disability Action Plan (DAP). Many people have contributed to this document either through participation at community forums, surveys, personal interviews about their experiences, or on working groups with Council Officers. The development of Council’s updated Disability Action Plan was initially facilitated by Access Audits Australia (AAA).
The Disability Action Plan 2013 - 2017 Our Disability Action Plan 2013 - 2017 In developing the 2013 - 2017 Disability Action Plan, a review of the existing Access (Disability) Plan was undertaken. The review identified six key areas for action: Housing, Support Services and Programs, Education and Awareness Training, Physical and Built Environment, Transport and Logistics and Information and Communications. Key Action Area 1 – Physical and Built Environment To plan, develop and maintain an accessible physical and built environment across Mornington Peninsula Shire. This includes footpaths and pedestrian pathways, parking, public toilets and amenities, shopping centres, community facilities, and infrastructure supporting beaches and foreshores. Action Items Responsibility Success Indicators Resources Timelines 1.1 Footpaths and Pedestrian Access a. Continue to implement the MPS Footpath Construction and Maintenance Program for continuous paths of travel in residential and commercial key activity areas. Infrastructure Strategy Matrix for scoring footpath requests. MPS with contributions from landholders in some cases Ongoing b. Undertake a review of the locked “kissing gate” system to ensure that equitable “easy” access is provided. Infrastructure Strategy Footpath Construction Strategy. Funded through Ongoing
existing MPS budget c. Continue to progressively implement recommended actions from the Access and Mobility Study 2007. Infrastructure Strategy Recommendations in the Access and Mobility Study are incorporated into the Project Action Plan. Joint funding through State Government/ existing MPS budget Ongoing d. Continue to upgrade access to pathways and boardwalks along beaches. Strategic Planning Issues are in CMP documents and Master Plans for Activity and Recreation Nodes of Foreshores. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing e. Where feasible and appropriate, incorporate the provision of all ability access in the review of Coastal Management Plans. Strategic Planning Issues are in CMP documents and Master for Activity and Recreation Nodes of Foreshores. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing 1.2 Footpath Trading and Access to Business a. Promote and monitor business compliance with MPS Commercial Activities Footpath Policy. Economic Development Unit and Environmental Protection Unit Businesses are aware of the Shire’s Policy. Businesses are compliant. Twice Funded through existing staffing levels Ongoing
yearly audits are undertaken. b. Conduct a Good Access is Good Business education campaign to educate and promote the benefits of accessibility to local businesses. Economic Development Unit Campaign is undertaken. Participation in the Trader Network meetings twice a year. Funded through existing staffing levels Ongoing c. Ensure that Town Centre Design Guidelines and planning application decisions comply with the DDA – 1992 and Australian Standards. Strategic Planning and Statutory Planning Australian Standards for accessibility is included in planning documents. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing 1.3 Pedestrian and Traffic Treatments a. Review and progressively upgrade pedestrian crossings in areas of high traffic/ pedestrian use to ensure they are safe for people with a disability (i.e., Point Nepean bus stop). Traffic and Road Safety Team Reviewed and upgraded upon individual requests. Joint funding through existing MPS budget and Vic Roads Ongoing b. Ensure that warning Tactile Ground Surface Indicator (TGSIs) design, construction and use reflect Australian Standards for accessibility. Infrastructure Management Project Standard drawings reflect current Australian Standards for accessibility. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing
b. Expand the provision of change facilities in high use areas, shopping precincts and community facilities. Infrastructure Strategy Adult change facilities are available in high use areas. Funded through existing MPS budget and MetroAccess Ongoing c. Ensure relevant Officers are made aware and have access to the Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) Building and Maintenance Services, Community Groups, and Recreation and Leisure Unit MLAK information is provided to relevant Council Officers and is able to access the key. Funded through existing staffing levels Ongoing d. Ensure publicity reaches eligible as to their availability and access to Master Locksmiths Accessibility Key (MLAK). Building and Maintenance Services, Community Groups, and Recreation and Leisure Unit MLAK information is provided to relevant eligible users. Funded through existing staffing levels Ongoing
e. Improve access to public toilets and disability playgrounds. Building and Maintenance Services, Community Groups, and Recreation and Leisure Unit Public toilets and playgrounds are accessible. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing f. Continue to identify access issues (pathways and parking bays) that are hindering access to accessible toilets in high use Infrastructure Strategy and Traffic and Road Safety Review of issues undertaken and report is available. Benchmarked against National Public Toilet Map. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing g. Advocate to private shopping centres and entertainment providers for facilities that are accessible for all. Statutory Planning Access impediments in high use areas are identified and actioned. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing
2.3 and Taxis a. Identify, in collaboration with local bus companies, gaps in service delivery, including any infrastructure issues preventing the delivery or expansion of services. Infrastructure Strategy Frankston Mornington Peninsula Bus Services actions reviewed. Council to advocate for funding from Government Ongoing b. Council to advocate to State Government for an integrated bus service with reduced fees for service users. Infrastructure Strategy Advocacy is undertaken. Outcomes reported accordingly. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing c. Gradually upgrade infrastructure at taxi bays so they comply with disability access requirements. Infrastructure Strategy Responding to requests from the public. Funded through ‘Disabled Facilities Treatment Budget’ Ongoing d. Advocate for an increase to the number of wheelchair accessible and standard taxis – particularly during peak tourism times. Transport Connections Project Advocacy is undertaken and outcomes are reported accordingly. Funded through existing MPS budget Reviewed annually Issue Action Items Responsibility Success Indicators Resources Timelines
2.4 Scooters a. Develop a Scooter Policy to assist Council to plan for and address the impact of increased mobility scooter use of the Councils public infrastructure. Available in hard copy and on the MPS Website. Sustainable Communities Directorate, Community Access Planner and MetroAccess. Scooter Policy developed. Funded through existing Community Access Planner budget 2013 b. Implement the Scooter RECHARGE Scheme in Council and public buildings to support independence of mobility scooter and electric wheelchair users. Scooter Community Access Planner and businesses Piloting of RECHARGE Scheme in Rosebud. Scheme to be rolled out to Hastings, Mornington. 3 sites Funded through existing Community Access Planner budget. Seek external/matched funds for future sites. 2013 - 2017 c. Undertake a Scooter Education Program to inform the general community. Scooter Community Access Planner and MetroAccess in partnership with scooter retailers Scooter Education Forums undertaken. Community participation in the Program. Funded through existing Community Access Planner budget. Initiated 2012 Ongoing
Issue Action Items Responsibility Success Indicators Resources Timelines d. Develop a Scooter information brochure for scooter users. Available in hard copy and on the MPS Website. Sustainable Communities Directorate, Community Access Planner and MetroAccess. Scooter Education developed. Guide is available in formats accessible to people with a disability. Funded through existing MPS priority project budget 2012 2013 e. Advocate for the development of standards for mobility scooters and the registration of scooters. Government Advocacy at State Government level is undertaken. Funded through existing Community Access Planner budget Ongoing f. Develop Mobility Maps to assist people who use mobility scooters to plan journey. Sustainable Communities Directorate, Community Access Planner and MetroAccess Mobility Maps developed. Up to 3 maps funded through existing MPS priority project budget 2012. Seek external/ matched funding for future maps. Initiated 2012- Ongoing Key Action Area 3 – Information and Communication
That Council communications, information and publications are available in accessible formats that are clear to people with a disability. Action Responsibility Success Indicators Resources Timelines 3.1 Website a. Progressively update MPS Website from AA WCAG1 to meet standards developed under the world wide web consortium W3C to ensure information communicated is fully accessible. Communications Unit with IT Department providing technical support Website is updated to comply with WCAG2 standards. Funded through existing MPS budget 2013-2017 c. Continue to use the Website to promote programs, services and operations which are accessible to people with a disability. i.e. Aged and Disability Services, Recreation and Leisure. Communications Unit with IT Department providing technical support Programs, services and operations are promoted on the Councils website in accordance with WCAG2 standards. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing Issue Action Items Responsibility Success Indicators Resources Timelines
d. Ensure that MPS information on Aged and Disability Services are accessible in a variety of formats (e.g. format, Online, Easy English, and in culturally relevant languages). Online Communications Co-Ordinator and Aged and Disability Services Information on Aged and Disability Services are accessible in a variety of formats. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing 3.2 Alternate Formats a. Where appropriate, utilise a range of accessible formats when communications, information and publications are produced. For example, large print, Easy English, DVD, CD, local radio, apps etc. Communications Unit New and significant documents available in a variety of formats accessible to people with a disability. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing b. Promote the availability of portable assistive listening devices across MPS Council and provide Council Officers with training on the operation of these devices. Governance Information on portable listening devices is available in a variety of formats. Council Officers are trained on the operation of these devices. Funded through existing MPS budget 2015
Issue Action Items Responsibility Success Indicators Resources Timelines c. Continue to develop communication guides to assist Council Officers and the community in communicating positively with people with a disability. MetroAccess Information is developed and updated when required. The Talking Disability Handbook for communicating with people with disabilities is available. Funded through MetroAccess Existing - Ongoing d. Lobby MPS Council for an integrated inbound SMS service as an additional contact channel for the Shire or investigate grants to fund service. Communication Strategy and Customer Service Lobby Council to update the information system with inbound SMS capabilities. Requires a budget in the region of $10 to $25K plus Telstra service charges Ongoing e. Promote the availability of the Australian Communication Exchange – National Relay Service as a communication tool for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment on all information and publications produced by MPS and ensure Customer Service Officers are trained on how to use this effectively. Communication Strategy and Customer Service TTY service is promoted on MPS Council Website and publications. Training is made available to Council Officers on the service. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing
Issue Action Items Responsibility Success Indicators Resources Timelines f. Council meetings to be available in MP3 audio file format enabling people with sight impairment to access records on MPS Council Website. Communications Unit Council meetings are made available in MP3 audio format MPS Council Website. Funded through existing MPS budget 2012 Ongoing 3.3 Signage a. Review Council’s Signage Strategy to ensure that it meets the required standards for disability access. Economic Development Unit with Signage Existing Council Officers from the relevant units will undertake review. Updated Signage Strategy. Funded through existing Council Officers from across relevant Units 2015 b. Progressively upgrade all signage at the Shire’s main facilities to comply with the BCA, DDA and other relevant standards when major refurbishment works are undertaken. i.e. Braille and tactile elements. Project Management Team and Infrastructure Maintenance Signage at buildings will be upgraded. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing
Action Responsibility Success Indicators Resources Timelines b. Advocate for the Community Information Directory format to be accessible to people with a disability. Child Youth and Family Care, MetroAccess Community Information Directory is available in a variety of accessible formats. Hard copies are available in large print. Funded through existing MPS budget Annual c. Continue to utilise existing networks to communicate information targeted at specific groups. Community Access Planner, MetroAccess and Aged and Disability Services Information and literature is provided to Aged and Disability Services Officers for distribution. Funded through Community Access Planner, MetroAccess and Aged and Disability Services Ongoing Issue Action Items Responsibility Success Indicators Resources Timelines
e. Use the ‘Disabled Parking Permit Information to provide information on MetroAccess programs and services available for people living with a disability. MetroAccess and Customer Service Information on MetroAccess programs and services are included in the Disabled Parking Permit Information Packs. Funded through MetroAccess Ongoing f. Ensure that the event approval process includes a clause requesting participants to let MPS Council know if they have any specific access issues. Recreation and Leisure Applicants for new events are made aware that they have a duty to inform MPS Council of any specific access requirements. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing Key Action Area 4 – Support Services and Programs To develop, facilitate and manage a diverse range of accessible social, recreational and community programs and facilities that stimulate participation, opportunities and provide a well supported network of services that increase access for all.
Action Items Responsibility Success Indicators Resources Timelines 4.1 Recreation a. Investigate recreation based programs that are accessible for children and youth and adults with a disability. Consider the inclusion of accessible playground equipment in the design of new and upgraded playgrounds. Building Access Audit, MetroAccess, Infrastructure Service Delivery and Recreation and Leisure Recreation based programs are investigated. Outcomes reported accordingly. Funded through MetroAccess, Infrastructure budget (Operational/ Program Equipment) Ongoing b. Promote MPS Libraries as a form of recreation. Libraries, Arts and Culture – Marketing and Development Participation records, visits, memberships. Funded through existing Libraries budget Ongoing c. Continue to increase the availability of activities through Leisure Centres, such as wheelchair dancing, sports, etc., including activities and involving able-bodied participants. Service Delivery (Recreation and Leisure) Two (2) per year. Incorporate into our future Budget planning Ongoing Action Items Responsibility Success Indicators Resources Timelines
g. Continue with the implementation of the Playground Strategy and ensure that all new installations comply with accessible playground requirements. Ensure that appropriate disabled parking is provided within close proximity to playgrounds. Recreation and Leisure and Infrastructure Playground Strategy Implementation Program. New playgrounds comply with Australian Standards for accessibility. Funded through existing Playground Strategy Implementation Program Ongoing h. Promote accessible playground throughout the Peninsula. Playground brochure on Website and in print Promoted in a variety of formats and locations. Funded through existing Playground Strategy Implementation Program Ongoing i. Promote and Water Access for people who have a physical disability impairing their mobility. Social Planning and Community Development Unit, Community Access Planner and MetroAccess is developed for beach and water access. Funded through existing Community Access Planner budget/ MetroAccess and external funding bids/ partnerships 2013 - 2017
Action Items Responsibility Success Indicators Resources Timelines Provide and maintain a list of upgraded and accessible buildings for community access. Infrastructure Strategy Compliance with Design Standards. Keeping up to date with changes. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing 4.2 Tourism a. Promote the accessible tourist features of the Peninsula, including location of accessible toilets, playgrounds, parks and foreshores and tourism facilities. Recreation and Leisure, Tourism Unit and Infrastructure Pamphlets and marketing materials printed, internet website/s. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing b. Ensure mechanisms to determine the accessibility status of Council events are in Governance Mechanisms are available internally. Provision of internal form for access audits. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing c. Utilise an Access Checklist for use in planning events. Recreation and Leisure Events are checked for accessibility prior to approval. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing 4.3 Carers a. Advocate to the Commonwealth Government for weekend respite and other support services for carers. Aged and Disability Services Advocacy to and Commonwealth re unmet needs undertaken. Outcomes reported accordingly. Funded through existing MPS budget State and Commonwealth Government funding bids. 2015
Issue Action Items Responsibility Success Indicators Resources Timelines b. Identify opportunities to recognise and thank carers for their role and support. Aged and Disability Services and MetroAccess Further opportunities are identified and reported accordingly. Funded through MetroAccess, Aged and Disability Services and external partners. Annual c. Continue to hold Annual Carers Day MetroAccess Carers Day is facilitated. Funded through existing MPS budget Annual 4.4 Home Care a. Investigate support options for older persons and people with a disability requiring HACC services where unmet needs and service gaps exist. Aged and Disability Services Advocacy to State and Commonwealth undertaken. Outcomes reported accordingly. Funded through existing Aged and Disability Services budget 2016 b. Review guidelines and promotion regarding criteria for HACC Services to ensure these are clear and accessible to target population. In-house review. Aged and Disability Services Revised service promotion material to be widely distributed. Funded through existing Aged and Disability Services budget 2014 c. Utilise relevant Council and community networks and service provider agencies to promote HACC services. Aged and Disability Services Increased uptake of information and of services. Funded through existing Aged and Disability Services budget Ongoing
Action Items Responsibility Success Indicators Resources Timelines 4.5 General Support a. Re-establish and support the work of the Disability Consultative Committee (DCC). Community Access Planner, Aged and Disability Services and Governance DCC established and supported. Funded through existing MPS Community and Access Planner budget 2013 -2014 b. Create an Access and Inclusion Complaints Register to provide a mechanism for feedback on access and equity issues. Community Access Planner and Customer Service Survey is developed and included in Disability Parking Permit Pack. Funded through existing MPS budget 2017 4.6 Advocacy a. Continue to advocate in collaboration with disability groups on the Peninsula for an increase in HACC funding for respite programs to support people with disabilities and carers. Aged and Disability Services Increased allocation for respite in 2012/13 HACC growth funding round. Funded through existing Aged and Disability Services budget. HACC budget bids. 2013 b. Provide information to retirement home developers and planners on accessibility, best practice and design for older persons and people with a disability. Housing Officer, Aged and Disability Services with assistance from the Older Persons Housing E-Team Older Persons Housing Policy and Developer’s Guide revised. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing
Issue Action Items Responsibility Success Indicators Resources Timelines 4.7 Integrated Planning a. Ensure that the key actions from this updated DAP are integrated into the broader Shire planning frameworks and relevant Unit work plans. All MPS Work Integrated policy and planning will include key DAP actions. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing b. Set up E-Team to implement and monitor actions from the 2013 – 2017 DAP. Community Access Planner E-Team established. Funded through existing MPS budget 2013- 2014 c. Report the progress of this updated DAP to Council annually and provide a summary in the Annual Report to Council. Community Access Planner E-Team reports to Executive Management Group. Funded through existing Community Access Planner budget 2013 Ongoing Issue Action Items Responsibility Success Indicators Resources Timelines
d. Continue to integrate principles of good access into Council’s building renewal/ refurbishment program contract and applications for new developments. Infrastructure Project Management “Good Access” principles are incorporated into Council’s building renewal/ refurbishment program contract and applications for new developments. Funded through existing MPS budget 2013 Ongoing 4.8 Indigenous Planning Promote access and inclusion of Indigenous people with disability within the Shire and in the community. Indigenous Team Opportunities for Indigenous people with a disability are improved, as indicated in increase to disability service access data. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing 4.9 CALD Planning Promote CALD specific training to Council Officers working with people with disability. Social Planning and Community Development Unit, and Community Access Planner CALD training is provided to Council Officers. Funded through existing MPS budget 2013 - 2016
5.3 Employ- ment and a. Council is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer of people with disabilities. Team Support and Development MPS EEO Policy. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing Issue Action Items Responsibility Success Indicators Resources Timelines b. Review MPS employment policies to incorporate best practice principles of access and equity in its recruitment process. Team Support and Development Review and update the Shire’s Recruitment, Selection and Induction Policy. Funded through existing Team Support and Development budget Annual
c. Liaise with local service providers to further develop volunteer programs to support volunteers with disabilities. Volunteer Resource Service Coordinator Participation in networks, groups and meetings. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing d. Continue to respond positively to requests from employment agencies for work placements at MPS Council for people with disabilities. Team Support and Development and Individual Placement opportunities are made available to people with a disability through recruitment process. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing Key Action Area 6 – Housing and Council Buildings Improve accessibility, availability and affordability of housing to meet the needs of people with disabilities and their carers.
Action Items Responsibility Success Indicators Resources Timelines 6.1 Policy Review Social and Affordable Housing Policy. Social Planning and Community Development, Aged and Disability Services, Strategic Planning and Triple A Housing Committee Policy is reviewed and action plans implemented. Funded through existing MPS budget June 2014 Review Older Persons Housing Policy and Affordable Housing Policy and guidelines related to secondary policies. Social Planning and Community Development, Aged and Disability Services, Strategic Planning and Triple A Housing Committee Council successfully policies and implement plans. Funded through existing MPS budget and Triple A Housing priority projects June 2015 Issue Action Items Responsibility Success Indicators Resources Timelines
Include support for Universal Housing Design principles for accessibility and adaptability. Social Planning and Community Development, Aged and Disability Services, Strategic Planning and Triple A Housing Committee Change to Federal and Building Code of Australia. Funded through existing MPS budget and Triple A Housing priority projects Ongoing Investigate the inclusion of benchmarks for the percentage of accessible housing within all future housing and developments of Council buildings. Strategic Planning Change to Planning and Environment Act 1987. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing Ensure that both the Strategic and Statutory planning unit and the Design Advisory consider access and inclusion as a key component when reviewing all developments. Include a process to alert all new planning applications on Standards for Access to Premises to ensure compliance. Strategic Planning, Statutory Planning and the Triple A Housing Committee Inclusion of access as an issue in DAP briefing notes. Funded through existing MPS budget June 2013
Issue Action Items Responsibility Success Indicators Resources Timelines c. Investigate options for procuring funding for affordable accessible housing targeted at people with a disability and carers. Social Planning and Community Development in consultation with Frankston - Peninsula Carers Inc and the Hastings Project Control Group Options investigated. Outcomes reported accordingly. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing d. Support advocacy by local groups to develop new and existing CRU accommodation and independent housing for people with a disability. Social Planning and Community Development in consultation with representatives from various disability groups on the Peninsula. Secure additional funding for social housing on the Mornington Peninsula. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing
Issue Action Items Responsibility Success Indicators Resources Timelines 6.3 Advocacy a. Work towards instituting change to Planning and Building Legislation to include accessibility requirements. Social Planning and Community Development and the Triple A Housing Committee Council participates and contributes to the Regulatory Impact Statement Meetings. Funded through existing MPS budget June 2010 to June 2014 b. Advocate to State Government for universal housing design principles to be included into legislation. Social Planning and Community Development and the Triple A Housing Committee Council Universal Housing Alliance. Council lobbies for State Government for legislative change. Funded through existing MPS budget Ongoing Review As Council is committed to the DAP, a working Party in consultation with the Disability Consultative Committee will be established to oversee the implementation of the DAP and to audit, review and update the DAP during 2015. The working party will meet quarterly to review, monitor and evaluate the DAP to ensure access improvement actions are implemented appropriately. This will include: Receiving reports from Managers in relation to status of actions in their areas of responsibility. Reporting annually to the Chief Executive Office in relation to progress of actions in the DAP.