Livingstone’s Milestones Mark a Transformative Year in Accessibility

Published on 17 December 2025

Livingstone Shire Council has marked 2025 as a defining year in its commitment to improving accessibility across the region, delivering a series of infrastructure upgrades, community partnerships and national advocacy outcomes aimed at making Livingstone Shire more inclusive for all.

The year’s achievements were highlighted this week as Council reflected on major projects completed in collaboration with residents, disability advocates and community organisations. Mayor Adam Belot said the progress demonstrated the power of partnership and the importance of listening to lived experience.

“From the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly stage to a carpark in Emu Park, we’re working to remove barriers and build a truly inclusive community,” Mayor Belot said.

One of the year’s most significant moments came when Council’s advocacy received national support at the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly.

The advocacy was further strengthened when the same motion was also passed at the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Annual Conference, held on the Gold Coast in October.

Recreation and Culture Portfolio Co-Leads, Councillor Andrea Friend and Councillor Lance Warcon, presented a motion calling for the Australian Government to review the Building Code of Australia to reflect new wheelchair technology, and to update Australian Standards AS1428 to include beach access and support evolving mobility needs.

The motion was carried without debate, a result Cr Friend said showed the urgency of modernising accessibility standards.

“Looking back on 2025, it’s clear we’ve built strong foundations for lasting change,” Cr Friend said.

“We’ve taken the time to understand barriers, plan thoughtfully and deliver projects that make a real difference. This year wasn’t just about upgrades—it was about shifting how we think about access across our whole organisation.

“This year gave us countless moments that reminded us why accessibility matters. Seeing people use new pathways, safer crossings or beach access features reinforces that these aren’t just infrastructure projects—they are improvements that change daily life for local families.”

Cr Warcon said this year has shown just how much can be achieved when our community works together with a shared purpose.

“Every upgrade, every meeting, every conversation has helped move us toward a Shire where accessibility isn’t an afterthought—it’s a standard we strive for in everything we do,” Cr Warcon said.

“Whether it’s improving parking in our town centres or listening directly to residents at Accessibility Capricornia meetings, these changes—big and small—are opening up our community for more people, every day.”

While taking a strong stance on national policy reform, Council also focused heavily on practical improvements across the Shire.

Through its $50,000 Minor Accessibility Works Program, a range of small but meaningful upgrades were completed throughout 2025.

See the highlights below:

• The Station, Yeppoon: New accessible parking bay, connecting pathway, and automatic sliding door for the accessible toilet. • Archer Street, Emu Park: Upgrades to disability parking. • Hill Street Carpark, Yeppoon: Two additional disability parking bays. • Yeppoon Lagoon & Keppel Bay Sailing Club: Accessibility improvement designs completed. • IGA Yeppoon: Future accessible parking bay designs completed. • McBean & Tabone Streets, Yeppoon: “Missing link” footpath connection delivered. • Emu Park Main Beach: Beach matting maintained, new signage installed, and accessibility audit completed. • Yeppoon Foreshore: Wheelchair-friendly picnic table installed. • Cooee Bay Pool Complex: Planning continued for inclusive upgrades, including a Changing Places facility and accessible pool features. • Great Keppel Island Arrivals Plaza: Community-guided design for accessible boardwalks and disability amenities. • Community engagement: Accessibility Capricornia and Capricornia Access & Equity Group presented to Council; six Accessibility Capricornia meetings held. • Training & awareness: Council officers participated in Queensland Walks’ “Walkshop” and delivered the 2025 Accessibility Awareness Tour; partnered with Carers Queensland to offer free disability awareness workshops. • The Caves State School: Carpark upgrade delivered new disability parking, pathways, pedestrian crossing, and safer walking zones. • Emu Park Pool: New ladder installed at ramp entry for safer swimmer exits. • Disability Action Week: Promoted National Public Toilet Map, accessible beach options, and investigated Companion Card access at Yeppoon Cinema and upgrades at The Caves Hall. • Accessible accommodation: Review completed with Capricorn Enterprise and Accessibility Capricornia. • Inclusive events: Continued as Gold Sponsor of Beach Day Out; designs completed for disability priority seating on Yeppoon Foreshore. Mayor Belot thanked all residents, community groups and partners who contributed to shaping this year’s achievements. “Your voices are shaping the future of our Shire,” he said. “Together, we are building a more inclusive, accessible and welcoming Livingstone for everyone.” Accessibility Capricornia meets bi-monthly at The Hub in Yeppoon, and Council encourages residents interested in shaping an inclusive future to get involved. For updates and meeting information, follow the group on Facebook or email accessibilitycapricornia@gmail.com