Review to bring accessibility in line with best practice

As part of Wollongong City Council’s focus on making our city more accessible to everyone, we’re seeking community feedback on the review of Chapter E1: Access for People with Disability in the Wollongong Development Control Plan (DCP) 2009.

The Wollongong DCP outlines how new developments need to be designed to meet the conditions of the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and State-wide rules.

There are many chapters in the DCP, and some address different types of developments, development issues and specific locations. Chapter E1 includes information to facilitate equitable access for people with disability in the built environment.

We’ve undertaken a review of the chapter so that it is up-to-date and in line with current legislation, recognised best practice and existing Council policies and strategic documents.

“The Wollongong DCP was originally endorsed by Council in 2009. Since then Council has developed a number of strategic documents including the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2020-2025 and the Ageing Plan 2018-2022,” Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.

“There are many moving parts to meet the expectations for disability access that have evolved over time that need to be better integrated and documented.

“Our review was a timely response by Council to bring the DCP chapter up to date with our strategic documentation as well as reviewing best practice approaches adopted by other local Councils. The goal of this review was to remove a number of inconsistencies in the DCP and reduce confusion for developers.”

To ensure the accuracy of the review, the Chapter was benchmarked against 12 other DCPs adopted by councils throughout NSW.

“Designing infrastructure for people with disability is something that Council has proudly been working on in a number of different projects around the Wollongong region,” Cr Bradbery said.

“Most recently, Council finished works on the Austinmer Bathers Pavilion which included the addition of accessible amenities including an accessible toilet and changing space,” Cr Bradbery said.

Works on the 92-year-old building took seven-months and included the addition of a new accessible amenities, including an adult lift and change table, improvements to the toilet and shower facilities and new fixtures and fittings.

Read more in our media release: ‘Austinmer Beach’s Bathers Pavilion to Reopen’.

The Draft Wollongong Development Control Plan (2009) Chapter E1: Access for People with Disability will be on public exhibition until Monday 26 April 2021. During that time, we welcome community feedback on the review.

Visit the Our Wollongong website to leave feedback or visit Wollongong Library to view a physical copy.