By Roy Weavers

A Port Douglas and Mossman initiative will ensure that the northern communities join the growing international movement in creating equal access to businesses for people with a disability. 

This week Cairns Regional Council Access and Equity staff is distributing the internationally recognised disability access stickers, displaying a white wheel chair, to restaurants and businesses that co-operated with the disability access audit last year. 

Mayor Val Schier said the audit was an initiative of the Access and Equity Advisory Group and had been a free service offered to all businesses that wanted to participate. 

“The scheme will benefit the entire community as it clearly indicates the shops, eateries and other facilities that offer access to people of all abilities,” Cr Schier said. 

"Those business houses that offer full access are listed on Council’s website. Tourism is enhanced by this level of awareness, as people with a disability certainly check out the facilities available to them before making plans to travel.” 

Chairperson of Council’s Access and Equity Advisory Group, Cr Margaret Cochrane said the program had been received with enthusiasm in Mossman and Port Douglas. 

“The region prides itself as a safe and welcoming city.” Cr Cochrane said. 

“We're looking to ensure that all members of the community and visitors are encouraged to live, work, shop, do business and spend leisure time all with the same opportunities for success.”