The City of Parramatta has adopted a new Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) for 2026 to 2030, setting out a series of measures aimed at improving accessibility, participation and inclusion for people with disability across the local government area.
The plan outlines 17 actions that will guide Council’s approach over the next four years, covering public spaces, community services, events, communications and infrastructure upgrades.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter said the plan provides a practical framework for creating a more accessible city and reflects feedback received from residents during community consultation.
“This is about building a city where everyone can access spaces, services and opportunities with confidence,” Cr Zaiter said.
“We’ve listened carefully to our community, and this plan reflects what matters most and that means better access, greater inclusion and stronger awareness.”
More than 5,500 people engaged with the draft plan during its public exhibition period. Council said community feedback helped shape the final document and reinforced support for measures aimed at removing barriers to participation.
Among the priorities identified in the plan are improvements to access in public spaces, greater inclusion across community events and communications, and increased awareness of hidden and neurodiverse disabilities. The strategy also includes commitments to strengthen reporting and monitoring so residents can track progress against stated goals.
One of the new initiatives involves identifying footpaths that lack kerb ramps and prioritising them for future upgrades. The plan also continues Council’s work to improve accessible play spaces across Parramatta.
Cr Zaiter said accountability would be an important part of the plan’s delivery.
“We’re putting clear benchmarks in place so the community can see the progress we’re making,” he said.
“We know there is more work to do, and this plan ensures we stay focused on continuous improvement in this space.”
Disability Inclusion Action Plans are required for all local government authorities under New South Wales’ Disability Inclusion Act 2014. The legislation aims to promote social and economic participation by people with disability and encourage public authorities to identify and address barriers within their communities.
While councils across the state have adopted similar plans, the effectiveness of each strategy ultimately depends on implementation, funding and ongoing engagement with people who have lived experience of disability. Parramatta Council’s new plan places a strong emphasis on measurable outcomes and regular reporting, providing a framework against which progress can be assessed over the coming years.
Council has encouraged residents to stay involved as the plan is rolled out and to continue providing feedback on accessibility and inclusion issues affecting their daily lives.
The Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026-2030 is now in effect and will guide Council’s work in this area through to the end of the decade.
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