We are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive community where people of all ages and abilities are not isolated or excluded from being able to reach their full potential.
We aim to respond and provide for infrastructure, services, and facilities for people with disabilities or mobility issues in a coordinated and planned way.
Our guiding principles are:
- All residents, workers, and visitors to Clarence who have a disability or mobility issue have the right of equal access and opportunity to fully participate and contribute to the social, economic and cultural life of the city.
- It is council’s moral and legal responsibility to ensure equity in the provision and access to facilities and services throughout the city.
- Council has a responsibility to raise awareness through education and consultation in order to adequately provide access for the whole community and to ensure that barriers to access are addressed appropriately.
Find information on the Disability Access and Inclusion Working Group who meeting regularly to implement the plan.
Accessible services and projects
We have developed a number of programs and resources that are available for people with specific accessibility needs in Clarence. If you have accessibility questions on any of the below programs, venues or facilities please contact us.
Meeting / activity Spaces
Please see below accessible spaces for hire and use in our city:
Playgrounds and reserves
The following playgrounds and reserves are wheelchair-accessible, and some may have additional accessibility features such as accessible changing rooms, toilets, and inclusive play equipment.
Please note that some outdoor areas may present minor mobility challenges due to uneven areas, loose surfaces and/or a mix of pavement and grass surfaces.
- Bellerive Beach Park – all ability playground features
- Bellerive Beach – accessible beach mat
- Simmons Park – accessible Play Equipment (coming soon)
- Clarence Aquatic Centre – there is a new hoist that can transfer wheelchair users from their wheelchairs into the pool
- Kangaroo Bay Parklands – wheelchair accessible BBQ facilities
Clarence Access and Inclusion Network
Held up to four times per year this network is an opportunity for service providers and organisations to come together and share information on what is happening across Clarence in access and inclusion. It is an ideal forum to discuss projects and partnerships.
If you would like to attend the forum, please contact our Community Planning and Development Officer Han Yan on 03 6217 9500 or email clarence@ccc.tas.gov.au further information.
Accessible programs, activities and events
Companion Card
The City of Clarence supports the Companion Card program, which provides free entry for a companion assisting a person with a significant, permanent disability at eligible venues and ticketed events. The card can be used at the Clarence Aquatic Centre and other Clarence ticketed events, with a second ticket provided at no cost for the companion.
Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) changing room and toilets
The MLAK system uses a universal lock and key to allow people with disabilities to access dedicated public facilities 24 hours a day. This could include things like toilets or change facilities through to adaptive playground equipment. It was developed in 1994 to help increase the availability of accessible, clean and functioning public facilities for people that don’t always have the luxury of using standard facilities.
Facilities that are MLAK enabled can be visually identified by dedicated MLAK signage.
In Clarence, almost all of our toilets are open 24/7 and so MLAK locks are only fitted at two locations:
- Simmons Park – Lindisfarne – toilets
- Kangaroo Bay Park – Rosny – MLAK key toilets with an electrically powered hoist.
Obtaining a MLAK Key
To obtain a MLAK key, you will need a letter from your doctor confirming that you meet the eligibility requirements. You can then present this letter to any Master Locksmith, who will issue an MLAK key at the recommended price.
City of Clarence do not issue MLAK keys.
Other Useful Links and resources
- Disability services near me – Disability Gateway
- Inclusive Play Policy
- Access and Inclusion toolkit – a resource to guide accessible and inclusive design across City of Clarence buildings, facilities, streetscapes and recreational spaces.
Past projects
Clarence Mobility Map
The Clarence Mobility Map helps people plan more accessible journeys around key areas of Clarence. It highlights accessible pathways, crossings, parking areas and facilities to support people using mobility aids, prams or anyone wanting to navigate the community with greater confidence.
I Can! podcast series
The I Can! podcast series shares the lived experiences of people with disability, highlighting their achievements and contributions across areas such as employment, sport, housing and community inclusion. Developed through the Clarence Access and Inclusion Network (CAIN) Forum, the series celebrates local voices and promotes greater understanding of disability inclusion.
| 29 October | You Can Ask That! | Four people with different disabilities Paul, Tony, Kate, Duncan discuss the use of language, access and inclusion. |
| 5 November | Rural Alive and Well (RAW), ‘Wise Minds’ | RAW’s Pete Owen and Amity Deans discuss mental health and training. |
| 12 November | Changing Lives through Employment | At Work Australia’s Derek Hagstrom, in discussion with Clive about his journey back to work. |
| 19 November | Sport for All | Morgan Kent from Department of Communities (Sport and Recreation) in discussion with Joe Chivers a local athlete. |
| 26 November | Young Leaders, Inclusive Communities | Keren Franks from Young Leaders of Tasmania (YLOT) and Lottie, a YLOT participant in conversation with Lisa Stafford from Queensland University of Technology. This discussion highlights the importance of including young people in the discussion and planning of inclusive communities. |
| 3 December | Conversations on International Day of People with Disability | Fiona Strahan from Disability Voices Tasmania in conversation with three people on what International Day of People with Disability means to them. |
| 10 December | Accessible Housing ‘My Story’ | Lee Jordan from council’s Disability Advisory Committee talks about how he made his home accessible and the importance of universal design. |
| 17 December | Homelessness and Disability | A conversation with services supporting people with disability who experience homelessness. |