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This article was published on Friday, 30 January, 2026. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Help shape Council’s Universal Access and Inclusion Plan 2026-2030

In Summary

Council is developing its Universal Access and Inclusion Plan 2026–2030 and is seeking community feedback to help shape priorities for accessibility and inclusion across the region.
An anonymous community survey is open via the Shaping Greater Shepp website to gather feedback on barriers to access and inclusion, with responses informing the draft plan.
The Plan will outline actions over the next four years to address discrimination, improve accessibility, and support inclusive participation in education, employment and volunteering.
Community consultation closes at 11.59pm on Saturday 28 February 2026, with hard copy surveys also available at Council’s Customer Service Counter.

The Universal Access and Inclusion Plan outlines Council’s priorities for identifying and addressing practices and conditions that might result in discrimination against people with a disability. It also addresses inclusivity of all people through education, employment and volunteering opportunities while promoting the recognition of the rights of people with a disability.

A survey has been established on Council’s Shaping Greater Shepp website to gather community feedback around their priorities for improved accessibility, and any barriers they see to access and inclusion within the region. The survey is completely anonymous, and all responses will be collected to help inform the development of the Draft Universal Access and Inclusion Plan 2026-2030.

Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said Council has an important role to play in supporting the liveability and accessibility of the region for people with a disability.

“Council strives to maintain an inclusive and welcoming region for all, and it does this through providing accessibility to Council owned buildings, streets, and open spaces,” he said.

“Community feedback is an important step in developing the draft Universal Access and Inclusion Plan. We want to ensure the plan aligns with the needs and priorities of our residents, and to do this we need to hear directly from them.”

Once developed, the plan will include actions to be undertaken over the next four years to respond to the priorities outlined by the community. These actions will be supported by the Greater Shepparton Disability Advisory Committee, whose purpose is to provide a platform for advocacy and representation on issues relating to people living with a disability in the community, and to support and inform future Council directions.

Disability Advisory Committee Councillor Representative, Cr Sam Spinks, said the plan would address Council’s vision for all residents and visitors to have full and equal access to Greater Shepparton’s vibrant lifestyle.

“Council understands that not all people living with a disability are alike. People living with a disability, individuals with specific needs, priorities and perspectives are often based upon their own personal circumstances and experiences,” she said.

“Once developed, the Universal Access and Inclusion Plan will outline what Council will do to address these barriers people with a disability might face, while acknowledging the contribution these residents make every day to our diverse community.”

The survey can be completed online via the Shaping Greater Shepp website here.

Hard copy surveys are also available at Council’s Customer Service Counter at 90 Welsford Street, Shepparton. The completed forms can be sent to positiveageing@shepparton.vic.gov.au

The survey closes at 11.59pm on Saturday 28 February 2026.

For more information, phone Council on 5832 9700 or email positiveageing@shepparton.vic.gov.au