Coogee residents are entering the final days of consultation on Randwick Council’s disability inclusion plan, as community members continue raising concerns about access, transport and public safety across the Eastern Suburbs.
The draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026–2030 is on public exhibition, with community feedback continuing online as local consultation activities near their closing stages. Residents involved in consultation events linked to the plan have until May 30 to take part in some local engagement activities or submit comments through the Your Say platform.
The plan will guide how the city improves accessibility, inclusion and community participation over the next four years. It covers public spaces, transport access, employment, communication, emergency information and council services.
Council documents show residents raised concerns about crowded footpaths, uneven walkways, limited seating areas, inaccessible buildings and difficulties moving through busy public areas. Community members also pointed to challenges faced by people with autism, psychosocial disability and other hidden disabilities that are not always recognised in public settings.
Coogee Consultation Raises Concerns About Shared Spaces
Consultation linked to Coogee community events included feedback from LGBTQIA+ residents with disability, carers and local organisations. The engagement process also involved groups including Coogee Pride, Windgap, Fit and Able, Spinal Cord Injuries Australia, Flourish Australia and Jewish House.
Residents said busy shared pathways, beach access and crowded public areas can create stress and safety issues for people with mobility needs or sensory sensitivities. Concerns were also raised about signage, lighting, public toilets and access to seating near coastal areas.
Council’s engagement report found many residents wanted accessibility to become part of everyday planning decisions rather than being treated as an afterthought.
According to the draft plan, council staff also heard from older residents, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, carers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents and schools with specialist support units.
Randwick Residents Push for Better Access to Services
The draft plan outlines proposals to improve how residents access information and services across Randwick.
Council said many people found systems linked to disability support, health services and emergency information difficult to navigate. An Easy Read version of the draft plan explains that Council wants more residents with disability involved in leadership and community decision-making.
The consultation also highlighted concerns from carers and young carers who said support services and community participation can still be difficult to access locally.
Maroubra Feedback Focuses on Footpaths and Transport
Residents from Maroubra and surrounding suburbs raised concerns about public transport connections, crossing safety and pathways that are difficult for wheelchair users, older residents and people using mobility aids.
The draft plan proposes future work on accessible walkways, inclusive playgrounds, clearer signage and improvements to community facilities including libraries and public buildings.
Residents also asked for more sensory-friendly events and public spaces that allow people with disability to participate without feeling excluded or overwhelmed.
More Than 500 Residents Took Part in Earlier Consultation
Between December 2025 and March 2026, Randwick did focus groups, drop-in sessions, surveys, workshops and interviews for this draft plan. More than 500 people contributed through community meetings, surveys and interviews.
Four main areas were the focus of these consulations: attitudes and behaviours, liveable communities, employment, and systems and processes.
Residents can continue providing feedback through the council’s Your Say Randwick page before the consultation period closes.
Published 25-May-2026
