Candidates challenged to share inclusive community vision

The Spinal Injuries Association has invited all Mayoral candidates in next month’s Townsville City council election to share their vision on equity and access for people with a disability.

The public forum, which is being organised by the Townsville Member Network of the Spinal Injuries Association, will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, 4 March, at the Townsville RSL Club.

The Spinal Injuries Association’s Member Network Facilitator and Board Member Scott Stidston said each candidate would be allocated 15 minutes to outline their policies and at the conclusion, the audience would be invited to ask questions.

“We are encouraging all the Mayoral candidates in the upcoming elections to participate and share their thoughts on the importance of inclusive communities and, in particular, the Inclusive Community Accord,” Mr Stidston said.

“We will be interested to see whether they recognise the difficulties faced by many of their ratepayers in gaining access to services and opportunities in the region.

“We are hoping that the candidates will be able to confirm their ideas and intentions to make Townsville an accessible, user-friendly region by implementing strategies focused on equity, equal opportunity, inclusion and participation.

“The benefits of this will be enormous to the local community and include enhanced safety, decreased public liability and maintenance costs, and improved social and economic performance.

“An inclusive community is one where everyone shares equal access and opportunity.”

Mr Stidston said the Inclusive Community Accord highlighted five main areas.

1. Accept the principle of valuing all people in the community in order to develop an integrated, equitable community.

2. Acknowledge that creating inclusive communities is essential in order to maximise the social and economic performance of our region.

3. Commit to supporting the development of an Inclusive Community Action Plan that incorporates participation by every department of Council.4. Take an active role in controlling the destiny of private development in the region by ensuring at Development Approval stage that proposed development or refurbishment offers equitable access and user friendly outcomes.

5. Take a leadership role within the region and work in partnership with business, industry and the community to ensure equitable access to goods, services, information, buildings, infrastructure and precincts.

“The forum will be a tremendous opportunity for the candidates to showcase their vision for the future and we hope they will be able to join us,” Mr Stidston said.

To attend the forum, please contact the Spinal Injuries Association on 4755 1755.

Issued 20 February 2008.