Access Advisory Committee – Gympie Region

The Access Advisory Committee – Gympie Region is a community-based  advisory body committed to creating universal access to public facilities for all members of and visitors to the Gympie Region community.

The Committee acts as  an independent voice on access issues within the Gympie Region and is  independent of Gympie Regional Council. It has addressed hundreds of local access issues since its formation in February 2001. The Committee celebrated its 20th birthday in 2021. 

           

The Committee is auspiced by Cooloola Human Services Network Inc., the peak body for leading the coordination and development of human services in the Gympie Region.

It is also a Third Party Advice Agency to Gympie Regional Council and works collaboratively with Council, business, community groups and the wider community to improve accessible design.

                   

Committee members conducting site audits with Council staff

 

Past chairperson Roxanne Macgregor with Gympie Region Mayor Glen Hartwig

 

Why is the  Access Advisory Committee important?

20% of Gympie Region’s population has a permanent  disability of some kind, plus temporary incapacity affects a further 30% of  people at some stage in life. Additionally, parents with young children and the  elderly often experience significant mobility problems.

The Committee believes universal and independent access to our community’s facilities is a vital aspect of full community  inclusion.

The Committee collaborates  closely with Gympie Regional Council, local businesses and community groups. It makes recommendations on how  best to improve access within the region for all members of the community – in order to enable better planning of new facilities, and to ensure appropriate  modifications to existing facilities are developed where needed.