Douglas Shire Council will this week officially launch two initiatives - the Access Douglas Directory and Missed Business - that aim to support locals and visitors to our region who have disabilities as well as a resource to help businesses become more accessible to customers who may have a disability.

The Access Douglas Directory and Missed Business resource aim to create and support an accessible and inclusive community where people can live life with very few or no challenges based on their accessibly needs within the Douglas region.

The Access Douglas Directory is an online tool available on the Council website which supports residents who may be living with a disability or visitors to our region in finding appropriate businesses, services and organisations in the Douglas region to meet their everyday needs.

Mayor Julia Leu said access and equity for our residents with disabilities is extremely important to Council.

“We wish to assist by providing practical help and assistance through the provision of such information and tools for the general public and business community,” Mayor Leu said. 

“Accessibility within our region is not perfect and there is still much work to do in the way of improving public facilities to enable them to become more accessible. 

“It will be our Council’s commitment to improve and upgrade these facilities in the coming years.

“The roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) which will allow people with disabilities the freedom to live more independently could see Douglas well placed to be considered a new place of residence. 

“The Access Douglas Directory has the potential to attract new residents to the region when they see what is on offer and available. 

“Those who may relocate to the Douglas region would have access to a directory that would help them find the businesses and services they need. 

“New residents under the NDIS would have the ability to purchase the services they require to live their day to day life, potentially creating business opportunities for specialised care and support services and diversifying the local industries with the region.” 

Tara Bennett, Executive Officer for Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, said the Access Douglas Directory was an excellent opportunity for tourists and local businesses.

“The Access Douglas Directory is also useful to assist independent travellers and tourists who may be living with a disability in planning their holiday in the Douglas region,” Ms Bennett said.

“The directory can also be a valuable tool for regular and specialist travel operators nationally and internationally who arrange travel specific for clients who have a disability.”

People living with a disability account for one in five Australians or over 4 million people, with approximately $8 billion spent annually by people with disabilities on Australian tourism accounting for 11 per cent of total tourism expenditure. 

“This is potentially a domestic tourist market that has room to grow in Douglas region,” Mayor Leu said. 

“Council will be actively promoting the directory with National and international websites dedicated to assisting travellers with disabilities as well as seeking and encouraging business that are able to accommodate and provide accessible services to join the listings on the directory.

“The other initiative Council is proud to launch is the Missed Business resource which is an online tool with practical information and advice for existing and new small businesses in helping them to be more accessible for customers who may have a disability.” 

Phoebe Kitto, President of the Douglas Chamber of Commerce, encouraged small businesses to get involved.

“Improving physical access to businesses also benefits people with temporary mobility issues; parents and carers of young children especially those who use a pram or stroller; older people; delivery people, shoppers with heavy bags; and every customer particularly when it is busy,” Ms Kitto said.

The Access Douglas Directory and the Missed Business resource has been developed in consultation with local resident Gail Cockburn, and Selina Maffey, Local Area Coordinator for Disability Services. Both the Access Douglas Directory and Missed Business Resource are available via the Council website: www.douglas.qld.gov.au.