Architectural news & editorial desk
Upon agreement of mandatory accessibility standards in the National Construction Code, the Victorian Building Authority has welcomed the changes, saying it will ensure independence for people with disabilities within their own home.
The new standards will take effect in 2022, and were agreed upon at a National Building Ministers Meeting of Building Ministers last Friday. The Livable Housing Design Guidelines silver standards will ensure basic accessibility features are included in all newly constructed homes and apartments.
Under the changes, new homes will be required to include features such as step free entry, step free showers, ground level accessible toilets, structural reinforcements to support grab rail installation in bathrooms and for doorways and transitional spaces to allow ease of movement.
Victorian Building Authority
The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has welcomed the adoption of mandatory accessibility standards in the National Construction Code.
The new mandatory standards, which will take effect in 2022, were agreed upon at today’s National Building Ministers Meeting of Building Ministers, following Victoria’s advocacy.
Livable Housing Design Guidelinessilver standards will ensure basic accessibility features are included in all newly constructed homes and apartments.
The VBA’s Chief Executive Officer Sue Eddy said accessible housing should be available to everyone.
“This is a much-needed step forward both in Victoria and nationwide, allowing consumers a greater choice of where they live and easier access to support within buildings,” Ms Eddy said.
VIC Premier
The Andrews Labor Government is urging all states and territories to put fairness first and consider the dignity of older Australians and people living with disabilities by supporting mandatory accessibility standards in the National Construction Code (NCC).
Minister for Planning Richard Wynne said mandatory standards would have a profound impact on the more than three million Australians currently living with a disability or with restricted mobility and would allow more Australians to age without seeking specialised care.
The call comes ahead of today’s National Building Ministers Meeting where Ministers will decide on an option to introduce mandatory accessibility standards in 2022 or continue with voluntary standards, which have failed to fix the lack of accessible housing across the country.