A lack of disabled car parks, inaccessible buildings and barriers to public transport are among a long list of issues the City of Launceston council aims to address as part of a commitment to improving inclusivity.
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The council will on Thursday consider the formal adoption of an Access Framework for Action - a draft strategy exploring accessibility in relation to sport, public transport, the built environment and more.
The framework is the first of its kind in Tasmania's local government sector and if endorsed, the council will begin work on how it will be implemented.
Launceston's Greg Mallet was one of six residents living with disability profiled as part of the framework.
The 52-year-old is visually impaired and lives on a farm half an hour out of the city.
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One of the biggest barriers preventing Mr Mallet from participating in other activities is being able to physically get around, often relying on taxis at a cost, due to a lack of public transport.
"He can't use Uber because they won't come out that far," the report reads.
"Once in town, he has a favourite coffee shop he would like to visit independently and he would like to be able to have lunch with his wife occasionally.
"As Greg uses a white cane for his primary method of navigation, he finds the uneven footpaths, lack of tactiles and insufficient audible pedestrian crossings a barrier to independent mobility."
According to the framework, with data from the 2016 census, 4190 people or 6.4 per cent of the population of Launceston reported needing help in their day-to-day lives, due to disability.
More than 11.4 per cent also acted in the role of carer to a person with disability, long term illness or old age.
Locations within Launceston in need of the most assistance was Rocherlea, with 13.3 per cent of the population. Next was Norwood 8.6 per cent; Kings Meadows 8.5 per cent, Ravenswood 8.5 per cent and South Launceston 8.1 per cent.
Less than a third of people with disability are actively involved in community groups or activities, with barriers including a lack of awareness, inaccessible buildings, fear of not being welcome and restricted transport options.
The framework sets out five commitments around where the council believes it can play a role, including: our inclusive community; access to public spaces and buildings; access to employment and education; access to transport; and access to the arts and events.
The council's access committee chairwoman Andrea Dawkins said the endorsement of a strategic framework would allow the organisation to build on the work it had already undertaken in this area.
"A framework will allow us to better align our strategies, actions, goals, and future decision-making to ensure we are building a Launceston we can all be proud of, and one where all voices are heard," Cr Dawkins said.
"This will be the first step on a longer journey, and it's a journey our community can take together should this draft framework be endorsed."
What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor:
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
