It is searching for advocates to join the panel, which will provide people with disabilities and mobility impairments with input into the process of approving planning applications.
Members of the panel would advise on how to improve upon minimum accessibility standards for large-scale development applications, plans for special events, certain City-initiated projects or programs, and proposals for works on City-managed property.
Melville Mayor Russell Aubrey said that while plans and projects might fully comply with access standards in theory, in reality, it was the experience of people with disabilities and mobility impairments that would make sure access was well planned.
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READ NOW‘The aim of the Access Advisory Panel is to help close the theory-practice gap and to ensure our planning processes are realistic when designing-in universal access,’ the mayor said.
‘To make sure we get it right we believe it is vital to have input from the people who know best,’ he said.
‘The Access Advisory Panel will be an important step in the City’s journey to ensuring access and inclusion for all.’
While it was not compulsory to be from within the City of Melville, Mr Aubrey said applications from people with a disability, parents, carers or advocates of a person with a disability or mobility impairment, who live, work or study in the City were especially welcome.
It is intended the panel will meet during working hours about four times a year.
The panel is expected to be selected by next month.
For information, or advice on making an application for membership please contact Will Schaefer at the City on 9364 0642.