News and Publications
Practical and accessible homes for all Victorians
14-April-2009
In an Australian first, the Brumby Government will introduce a package of measures to encourage Victorians to Build for Life. A new community awareness campaign and regulatory measures will allow one in five Victorians who have a disability or are over the age of 60 to build accessible features into new homes.
Planning Minister Justin Madden and Community Services and Senior Victorians Minister Lisa Neville launched the Build For Life campaign at a Parkville Gardens home showcasing some of the accessible features available.
"The Brumby Government is taking action to make new homes more sustainable and accessible for all Victorian families," Mr Madden said.
"A well designed house with accessible features means it can meet the changing needs of families, from raising small children, to welcoming aging parents, or living with a disability.
"The Build for Life awareness campaign will inform builders, designers and consumers of accessible design elements to be built into new homes."
"The Brumby Government is also taking action to boost the supply of accessible housing by consulting on the proposed regulatory impact that will consider mandatory accessibility features for all new homes."
A draft regulatory impact statement will be released for public comment later in the year and will investigate implementing minimum mandatory requirements for four accessible features into Victoria's building regulations:
- A clear path from the street to a level entry;
- Wider doorways and halls;
- A toilet suitable for people with limited mobility on entry level; and
- Reinforced bathroom walls so grab rails can be fitted inexpensively if they are needed in the future.
"More than 19 per cent of Victoria's population is aged over 60, by 2020 this will rise to almost 23 per cent of Victorians will be over the age of 60," Ms Neville said.
"With only 4 per cent homes currently accessible, there is a definite need to make accessible homes part of mainstream design."
Ms Neville said there is a high demand for accessible housing in the Victorian community, and demand would only increase in the future.
"Providing accessible housing is a way of helping people live with dignity and independence, whether they are aged or have a temporary or permanent disability," she said.
"The Brumby Government will consult broadly with the community and building sector on how best to incorporate accessible building options into all Victorian residential homes.
"These accessible features will be 'no cost, low cost', and have a lifetime of benefits," Ms Neville said.
"We want the houses we build today to meet our needs in the future."
Ms Neville thanked the Accessible Housing Taskforce for their hard work on the community awareness campaign.
The Brumby Government expects mandatory measures will be in place in 2010.
The Build for Life awareness campaign includes a website www.buildforlife.com.au, consumer and industry publications and resources, as well as a stand at this year's HIA Home Ideas Show (April 15 - 19).
Build for Life is part the Brumby Government's Fairer Victoria social policy action plan to address disadvantage.