This project was temporarily on hold due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, but development of the draft plan has now recommenced.

We're using the findings from the engagement to guide the development of actions across the organisation. Find out about what we heard from the community earlier in the year in the Community Engagement Report, available in the document library or by clicking here.

We expect a draft plan to be available for your feedback early 2021. Check back for updates, or email communityengagement@fremantle.wa.gov.au to be added to the mailing list for this project.

The COVID-19 outbreak has had a significant impact on the City's operations and on the ways we can engage with the community. It's important that everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute to the Access and Inclusion Plan, including those who can't participate in online comment options.

We also recognise that people have a number of pressing priorities right now that might affect their ability to provide input. As a result and in order to develop the best possible plan, we're postponing work and further engagement on the new plan for now.

If you'd like to know when we're resuming this project, you can check this page for updates, or subscribe on this page to follow this project. We look forward to getting your input on the draft plan at a later stage.

As part of the review, we're looking at access & inclusion-related comments made during other recent City engagements, including on the Age Friendly City Plan, Walyalup Reconciliation Action Plan and the Community Safety & Crime Prevention Plan.

A number of these respondents liked the diversity of the Fremantle community, the public transport network and Fremantle's proximity to facilities. Key themes that arose as important for accessibility and inclusion into the future included:

Infrastructure

• Good, flexible public transport systems
• Accessible pathways that are well signed, even and unobstructed
• Accessible road crossings and intersections (roads are busy and time given to cross isn’t long enough)

Social inclusion

• Events and activities for people of all ages, including active events and options for people on a reduced income
• A sense of social connection, community and inclusiveness and opportunities to participate, including being part of groups etc
• Maintaining and encouraging diversity
• Supporting aboriginal people with disability
• A sense of safety and security, including good lighting

Facilities

• Ability to easily access facilities such as supermarkets, health services and community services (library, banking, post office etc)
• The need for accessible public toilets within the CBD.

These comments will also be taken into consideration when reviewing the Access & Inclusion plan.