Launceston City Council: People with a disability

People with a disability

Launceston City Council is strongly committed to providing access for all in our community. This is part of our commitment to ensuring that everyone is able to enjoy the many social, cultural and business benefits of living here.

National Relay Service

Every day thousands of Australians with hearing or speech impairments rely on the National Relay Service (NRS) to make and receive phone calls. The central link in each phone call is a relay officer who relays the caller's workds to you and/or your words to the caller.

Launceston City Council is a NRS friendly Council.

To find out more about the National Relay Service relay calls, contact their Helpdesk on

Voice Calls: 1800 555 660

TTY Calls: 1800 555 630

Fax: 1800 555 690

SMS: 0416 001 350

Email: helpdesk@relayservice.com.au

Companion Card

Council is an affiliate of the Tasmanian Companion Card program, an initiative under the Tasmanian Government's Disability Framework for Action.

The card helps provide fairer ticketing for Tasmanians with a disability who require assistance from a companion to participate at community venues and activities.

This means that when a cardholder presents their card at Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery entry-fee exhibitions and the Planetarium, and at Launceston Aquatic their companion will be given free entry. The cardholder will continue to pay entry at the relevant concession rate.

Council will also require event organisers who conduct entry-fee events at Council venues to recognise the Companion Card or become an affiliate in their own right.

Launceston Access Advisory Committee

What is LAAC?
The role of the Launceston Access Advisory Committee is to provide advice to Council on matters relevant to access issues and promote accessibility within the municipality.

The Launceston Access Advisory Committee was formed in 1988 and is a Special Committee of Council.

What is the role of LAAC?

To develop and review on a regular basis (every five years) an Access Plan for the city.
Present any new Access Plan to Council for adoption.
To review up and coming capital projects from the aspect of accessibility.
To promote the benefits of being accessible to local businesses.
To provide advice to Council on specific matters relevant to Access.
Promote community participation in and awareness of Access activities.

Who is represented on LAAC?
The Launceston Access Advisory Committee consists of representatives from the School for Seniors, Post Polio Network Tasmania, Royal Guide Dogs Association, Family Based Care, Child Health Association Tasmania, TasDeaf, Independent Living Centre, Amputee Association of Tasmania and Tasmanians with Disabilities together with two community representatives and Relevant Council Officers. Two Launceston City Council Aldermen act as Chirman and Deputy Chairman for the Committee.

For further information on the Launceston Access Advisory Committee phone 6323 3000 or email council@launceston.tas.gov.au.

Accessible Parking Scheme

Launceston City Council meets the requirements of its accessible parking scheme by ensuring that its metered parking spaces and car parks provide an amount of access for people with a disability.
Many people do not realise that approximately 23% of the Tasmanian population has some level of disability and others, like parents of small children, older adults and even delivery people appreciate easy access. Disability can range from sight to hearing, intellectual to many mobility related problems.

To find out more about Council's accessible parking options, view specific information on Parking in Launceston.

Missed Business Booklet

Produced by the Launceston Access Advisory Committee, the Missed Business Booklet provides advice and gives practical examples for businesses in and around Launceston on providing easy access to shops and businesses.

View a copy of the Missed Business Booklet (PDF 1.29 MB).