Draft Accessible Events Policy

Blue Mountains City Council is seeking feedback on its draft Accessible Events Policy.

This Policy, which you can download here or to the right of this page, sets out Council’s commitment to delivering inclusive and accessible events, ensuring equitable opportunities for people who live, work and visit the Blue Mountains Local Government Area.

One in five Australians lives with disability, and barriers to participation can arise in many ways – physical, communication, sensory, technological and attitudinal. Through thoughtful planning and awareness, many of these barriers can be reduced or removed.

This draft Policy:

• Applies to Council-produced events only, where Council is the event organiser

• Provides guidance to Council staff on best-practice approaches to accessibility

• Outlines relevant legal obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and Disability Inclusion Act 2014 (NSW)

• Identifies key considerations relating to venue selection, communication, and online event delivery

Importantly, this is a Policy document. It establishes principles, expectations and planning considerations. It does not create new infrastructure or commit to specific budget allocations, but guides how accessibility is considered in the planning and delivery of Council events.

Council welcomes feedback on whether the Policy clearly outlines expectations and provides appropriate guidance to support inclusive and accessible events across the Blue Mountains.

Submissions can be made here via the Have Your Say survey or emailed directly to Events Coordinator, Meaghan Westra mwestra@bmcc.nsw.gov.au

Consultation closes Tuesday, 31 March 2026