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The Australian Network for Universal Housing Design has welcomed the release, by the Victorian Government, of a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) which recommends a way forward for creating more accessible and practical homes for all Victorians.

 Released for comment by the Planning Minister, Justin Madden, the RIS has looked at the feasibility of making low-cost accessibility features compulsory in all new homes in Victoria. Further, the RIS recommends the adoption of these features through a Victoria-specific variation to the Building Code of Australia.

 The four accessibility features for housing that have been identified within the RIS include:

• A clear path of travel from the street (or car set-down/park) to a level entry;
• Wider doors and halls;
• A toilet suitable for people with limited mobility on the entry level; and
• Reinforced bathroom walls to enable grabrails to be installed inexpensively if they are needed in the future.

Amelia Starr, National Convenor of ANUHD, applauded the Victorian Government for taking this necessary and proactive step and for acknowledging the significant benefit that the proposed easy living features will have for all home occupants, regardless of age or ability.

 “The four accessibility features described in the RIS should be the necessary starting point for all new housing in Australia as all home occupants would benefit from their inclusion” Ms Starr said. “Providing an easy path of travel to your door and removing trip hazards created by steps and stairs at an entrance are common sense elements, as is making sure that there is an easily accessible toilet provided on the ground floor”.

 The RIS concludes that requiring the adoption of the features in certain categories of new homes in Victoria, via a Victoria-specific variation to the Building Code of Australia would have the greatest net benefits for the community.

 The RIS and details about the public consultation are available at: http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/DSE/nrenpl.nsf/LinkView/10E80E70836F36FBCA2575DE001CFC9EB6D5337005FB3718CA2572CF007A0F0A

 For further information,  please contact Amelia Starr, ANUHD National Convenor, on 02 9211 2269 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it