By Cameron Weston
CLIMBING a single step is a walkover for most people, but for those with a disability, even the smallest hurdles can be insurmountable obstacles.
Helen Adams from Western Region Disability Network (WRDN) is calling on the State Government to change planning laws to make new buildings more “disabled friendly”.
Ms Adams wrote to Minister for Planning Rob Hulls earlier this month, outlining the often unconsidered problems facing disabled people and calling on Mr Hulls to raise awareness of the needs of the disabled.
“He has been stalling on that”, Ms Adams said.
“We want to see him adopt much more pro-active local planning laws about accessibility of new buildings and renovations.”
Current building standards state that no lifts are required on buildings up to three stories high, Ms Adams said a simple oversight that disadvantages an entire segment of the community.
“If you were disabled and you wanted to get to the second or third floor, you just can’t.
“People go by the letter of the law and if the law states that accessibility is not a prime consideration then they ignore it, particularly big business.
“They’re not doing anything illegal, it’s just that it is not inclusive.”
Planning for disabled access when a building was being built was far cheaper and easier than refitting an existing structure, Ms Adams said.
“You can’t always do something about existing buildings but you can make sure that new buildings or renovations can meet certain standards.”
Eric Braslis, director of planning and environment with Hobsons Bay City Council said the council was “fully supportive” of the changes proposed by Ms Adams.
“We need to remember that 20 per cent of Hobsons Bay residents have a disability of some sort”, Mr Braslis said.
He said the council was preparing a booklet for builders and tradespeople providing information about access issues in the built environment, with a view to encouraging them to consider the needs of disabled people when planning a new development.
A spokeswoman for Mr Hulls confirmed that Ms Adams’ letter had been received and said the department was drafting a response.
