New national guide helps councils build inclusive communities and stronger workforces

23 June, 2026

The Local Government Association has released its updated Disability Inclusion Guide for Councils, launched at the National General Assembly in Canberra on 24 June 2026. The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is featured as a case study within the Guide, recognised for its accessible infrastructure and inclusive visitor experience. You’ll find the Rail Trail highlighted under the Case Studies and Resources section, as well as within Accessible infrastructure and services.

Original media release issued by Australian Local Government Association

Australia’s local governments have a powerful new tool to help create more accessible and inclusive communities while also tapping into an underutilised source of workforce talent, the more than 5.5 million Australians living with disability.

The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) will launch the Local Government Disability Inclusion Guide on Wednesday at the National General Assembly in Canberra, providing practical support to councils across Australia to strengthen disability inclusion in planning, services, infrastructure, employment and community engagement.

ALGA President Mayor Matt Burnett said the Guide recognises both the important role councils play in creating inclusive communities and the opportunity to build stronger, more diverse local government workforces.

“Local government is at the forefront of building inclusive communities. Every day councils make decisions about public spaces, services, facilities, programs and employment opportunities that directly affect the lives of people with disability,” Mayor Burnett said.

“This Guide provides practical support to help councils strengthen disability inclusion in the services they deliver, the workplaces they create and the communities they serve.”

“At a time when councils across Australia are struggling to attract and retain workers, creating more inclusive workplaces is both the right thing to do and a practical way to access a broader pool of talent.”

An estimated one in five Australians lives with disability, highlighting the importance of ensuring community infrastructure, information, services and opportunities are accessible to everyone.

Mayor Burnett said the Guide was intended to support inclusion across all areas of council operations, from planning and infrastructure to community services, governance and employment.

“At its core, this Guide is about people, ensuring everyone can participate fully in their community,” he said.

“People with disability are residents, ratepayers, employees, volunteers and community leaders. When councils create more inclusive environments, the benefits are felt across the entire community.

“Like many sectors across Australia, local government is facing ongoing workforce shortages and skills challenges.

“People with disability represent a significant pool of talent, skills and experience. By creating inclusive workplaces and removing barriers to participation, councils can attract and retain employees who bring valuable perspectives and capabilities to their organisations.

“Disability inclusion isn’t just good for communities, it’s also good for local government workforces and helps councils build the skills and capacity they need to serve their communities into the future.”

As a signatory to Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031, ALGA is committed to supporting councils to contribute to the Strategy’s vision of an inclusive Australia where people with disability can participate as equal members of society.

The Guide has been developed through ALGA’s partnership with the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and informed by a national Community of Practice comprising council practitioners from across Australia, alongside broader local government sector input.

Mayor Burnett said the collaborative approach ensured the Guide reflects practical, real-world experience from councils of all sizes and circumstances.

“Councils across Australia are already delivering innovative and effective disability inclusion initiatives,” he said.

“This Guide captures that experience and provides practical tools, resources and examples that councils can adapt to their local context, helping to build on the excellent work already underway.”

The online resource includes:

• Information on disability in Australia and the role of local government
• Principles and practical guidance to support disability inclusion across council functions
• Support for developing and implementing Disability Inclusion Action Plans
• Resources, tools and policy information relevant to local government
• Guidance on creating more inclusive council workplaces and employment practices
• Examples of local government initiatives demonstrating disability inclusion in practice.

Visit ALGA’s Resources page to view the Disability Inclusion Webinar Series.

Photo Credit: Capture the Present – Members of the Disability Inclusion Community of Practice (Feb 2026)