Government proposes better access to housing

Jessica Benton
THE ELDERLY and people with disabilities will be the winners of a government initiative to provide better accessibility to new homes.
The Brumby Government’s Build for Life calls for a number of minimum mandatory requirements for better accessibility be added to the state’s building regulations.
The measures include wider doorways and halls, toilet facilities suitable for people with limited mobility, reinforced bathroom walls to accommodate grab rails and clear pathways from the street to a level entry.
Karingal Community Living general manager Robyn Bradshaw said the new measures would be “a great step forward” for people with disabilities.
“It’s great in so far as the more that housing is accessible, the more available it becomes for people, and we’re not only talking about people with disabilities,” she said.
“Another aspect is that it will also make households more visitable for those with limited abilities. They’ll be able to have a cuppa with the neighbours or visit friends and just enjoy the things that we take for granted.”
Ms Bradshaw said the four access features were starting points but more measures should be on the list.
“No steps, clear pathways, safe entry, easy access for car parking, adequate lighting, slip resistant flooring and step free showers are also important for accessible housing.”
Open-plan design and layouts that can be modified were also necessary, Ms Bradshaw said.
Community Services and Senior Victorians Minister Lisa Neville said there was an increasing demand for accessible housing.
The government would subsidise the “no cost, low cost” initiative, but an exact figure would not be known until after a draft regulatory impact statement was released for public comment, Ms Neville said.
She predicted the mandatory measures would be in place in 2010.