Accessibility

About 20% of Australians have a disability. Many of us will have a disability at some stage in our lives. This could be either permanent or temporary, such as an injury caused by participating in sport, being involved in an accident or contracting a disease.

As all of us get older we will need good access both at home and in the community. Making buildings and facilities accessible improves life for everybody including older adults, people using prams and strollers, children, people using mobility aids and assistance animals.

Australian Standard 1428.1-2009 sets out the minimum requirements for new and upgraded buildings to meet the standards in the National Construction Code.

The Tradies Guide to Good Access(PDF, 2MB) summarises the most used parts of the Australian Standard.

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) makes it against the law for public places to be inaccessible to people with a disability.

Several access improvements to buildings (such as ramps and bathroom upgrades) can be carried out without the need for a development application, provided they met the criteria set out in the Codes SEPP. See the ‘Do I need development approval’ page on Council’s website. 

Council has developed a Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) to deliver improved access and inclusion outcomes for people with a disability in the Clarence Valley.

Council’s Access Committee provides advice, guidance and recommendations to Council regarding matters relating to improving access in the Clarence Valley.

Helpful Links

Physical disability Council of NSW

DDA guide: The ins and outs of access

The good the bad and the ugly: Design and construction for access