Advisory Committees DISABILITY ACCESS COMMITTEE Attachment

25 June 2009 Minutes of the meeting held on 20 May 2009 Page 1 of 6

MINUTES OF THE DISABILITY ACCESS COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN

THE FUNCTION ROOM AT CANTERBURY CITY COUNCIL, 137 BEAMISH
STREET, CAMPSIE ON 20 MAY 2009 AT 5.00 P.M.

PRESENT
Ms Caryn Fisher (Deputy Chairperson), Cr Linda Eisler, Mr Andy Sammut, Mr Roy Gaskin, Mr
Garry Jenkins, Mr Greg Ritchie, Mr Vaughn Akinin, Ms Patricia Budden, Ms Gina Carovigno,
Mr Ken Gibbs, Ms Janeen Horne, Mr Andrew James, Mr Ed Sutton, Ms Roma Wood, Ms Sung
Pak.

Others:
Mr Neale Owen, Mr Danny Moore, Ms Rhodora Brooking, Mr Chris Banks.

APOLOGIES
Apologies on behalf of Ms Robyn Karoubas, Ms Janet Malone, Ms Maura Outterside and Ms
Dolores Wright were received and accepted.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 18 March 2009 were taken as read and confirmed.

Confirmation of Agenda
If there are new items of business needing to be raised at the meeting these must be referred two
weeks prior to the next meeting.

Any community news, notices, events and awareness issues to be addressed at Item 6, Members
Update.

MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES

Salt Pan Creek Reserve, Riverwood Wetlands Access for People Who are Blind or Vision
Impaired
A site inspection was carried out with representatives from Guide Dogs NSW on 26 February
2009. A report was prepared and recommended that Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs)
which will assist visitors to the wetlands who are blind or vision impaired, be installed at a
number of locations where directional decisions need to be made.

There has been ongoing construction of the Riverwood Wetlands which is now completed. The
Committee was advised that TGSIs have been ordered and installation will commence as soon as
they are delivered. It was suggested that a follow up site inspection be carried out with
representatives from Guide Dogs NSW after their installation.

Pedestrian crossing at Burwood Road Belmore at Entrance to the Railway Station Access
for People with Disabilities
Negotiations were undertaken with Railcorp regarding funding towards an accessible pedestrian
crossing at Belmore Railway Station. Railcorp provided an Easy Access station at Belmore but it
is important that there is also an accessible pathway for people with disabilities and mobility
issues wishing to access the station. The raised pedestrian threshold needed to provide access
will cost approximately $40000 and Railcorp will contribute $5000 leaving a shortfall of
$35000. The Committee was advised that consideration would be given to funding this work in
the 2009-2010 Financial Year.
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Recommendation:
THAT a subcommittee be formed to investigate the possibility of lobbying the State Government
to provide additional funding towards the accessible pedestrian crossing at Belmore Railway
Station.

Training for Staff in Disability Awareness

Disability awareness training for Council staff has been organised and the first session for
approximately 18 staff members will take place in the Function Room on Tuesday 7 July from
10.00am - 1.00pm.

This training session will target staff in a public contact role and will assist staff to:

Appreciate the issues and barriers that people with disabilities experience
Understand the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992
Create flexible and accessible services for people with disability, and
Communicate effectively with people with a disability

The training package also provides brief information about working with and managing
employees with a disability. This package will assist staff to comply with our Access and Equity
Policy. Four committee members nominated to attend the first session as observers and provide
feedback for this training.

STANDING REPORTS

Process of Monitoring Issues Raised by the Committee

1. DA for Mens Shed in Riverwood
It was raised at the last meeting that the Mens Shed will not provide access for people
with a disability or older people. Confusion over the purpose of this development led to
disability access conditions not being attached to the approval of the application by the
Department of Housing (DoH). The Committee was advised that subsequent discussions
with DoH have revealed that the shed is yet to be constructed due to excessive cost.
Despite this the DoH have advised that access will still not be provided due to site
restrictions in providing an access ramp.

Members agreed that this situation was unacceptable and suggested that a letter be
written on behalf of the committee to DOH stressing that access for people with
disabilities is required for this development.

Recommendation:
THAT a letter be forwarded to the Department of Housing from the committee requesting
that the Mens Shed located in Kentucky Road Riverwood provides access for people
with disabilities and older people.

2. Disability Parking Spaces at Clarke Street Earlwood car park (Coles).

A meeting was held with representatives of Coles in July 2008 to discuss the accessible
parking spaces at Coles car park. Negotiations will continue with Coles to provide a
better parking option for people with a disability at this site. Coles is considering an
alternative location for the existing disability parking spaces. The possibility of Council
assuming operation of compliance with parking regulations is also under discussion.
Progress on this matter will be reported to the committee at a future meeting.
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3. Canterbury Local Business Awards

The Canterbury Local Business Awards are organised on behalf of Council by Precedent
Productions. It was agreed to contact the company to discuss: (1) the importance of
disability access for local businesses and (2) options to incorporate a discrete disability
access award for 2010. The Awards presentation night for 2009 will take place on 26
May. The information on tips to provide disability access to commercial premises is
being prepared for distribution on the night.

In response to a question raised, it was mentioned that main street access audits of five
major shopping precincts in Canterbury have been completed and data from these audits
will be used to identify shops where access is not provided. This information can also be
used to target these businesses raising awareness on the social and economic advantages
of providing access.

Report of the Disability Access Committee Plans Sub-Committee

The report in Attachment A was received and accepted.

It was suggested that feedback on the outcome of DAs be reported back to the committee
following finalisation of the DA by City Planning.

GENERAL BUSINESS

The Ron Rudder Community Access Awards 2009

The Committee members agreed that members of the subcommittee for the Ron Rudder
Community Access Awards be Ms Horne and Mr Owen as in previous years.

The draft Action Plan has been prepared by the subcommittee members for the Awards this year.
A copy of the Action Plan was tabled.

Recommendation:
THAT the draft Action Plan for the 2009 Ron Rudder Community Access Awards be endorsed.

Draft Development Control Plan 51 Access and Mobility

The purpose of the DCP was explained to the Committee. The document endeavours to
benchmark a standard for new buildings in our City to comply with access and mobility
provisions and regulations including the Building Code of Australian (BCA) and Australian
Standards for Disability Access. The committee thanked the Council staff and the Committee
members who worked on the draft.

Regarding the provision of accessible parking, it was explained that the document supports
current BCA requirements and those set forth under Councils Car Parking Code (DCP 20).
When these standards are compared with the actual numbers of Mobility Parking Scheme
Permits issued by the Roads and Traffic Authority, however, the BCA figures may not reflect the
actual demand for accessible parking. A future review of this DCP may result in a greater
provision of accessible parking being required if supported by studies of demand on existing
spaces.

The draft DCP will now be reported to Council for approval to place on public exhibition. Once
the period of public exhibition finishes, a review will be undertaken to address any issues
received and the DCP will be referred back to Council for adoption. The DCP may be reviewed
in the future if there are inadequacies or omissions with the plan.
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Recommendation:
THAT draft Development Control Plan 51 for Access and Mobility be endorsed.

Mental Health Working Party of the Inner West: Focus on Mental Health See the
Possibilities
A report on the discussion paper Focus on Mental Health See the Possibilities containing
draft strategies that Council may consider to enhance its services to people with a mental illness,
their families and carers, was tabled at the meeting for endorsement. The strategies are
achievable and do not require a budgetary application.

Recommendation:
THAT the draft report on strategies to assist City of Canterbury residents with a mental illness be
endorsed.

MEMBERS UPDATE
A fund raising day was held by Wheelchair Sports NSW at Canterbury Race Course on
16 May. The Deputy Chairperson was invited to officiate at the event. A donation of
$500 was made to Wheelchair Sports NSW by the committee which was greatly
appreciated.
Committee meetings now held bi-monthly on trial for this year. Committee members
suggested that meetings be held from 4.00pm to 6.00pm as winter is approaching and
some members have dietary issues. This request will be referred to The Mayor as
committee chairperson for his endorsement. Members will be advised before the July
meeting if the meeting time will be amended as suggested.
Information on car parking and compliance is available within Councils Car Parking
Code (DCP No 20), information on Building Code of Australia and Australian Standards
are available for viewing at the Customer Service Desk.
Members were advised to contact our Customer Service Centre (9789 9300) directly if
any access issues need urgent attention in City of Canterbury. The issues are logged into
the notification system and referred to the appropriate section to resolve the matter.
It was suggested that Council should impose heavier fines for shopkeepers who encroach
on footpaths with their merchandise.
There will be a forum on mental illness to be held by Campsie Rotary Club at Rotary
House, 34 North Parade Campsie, on Tuesday 26 May at 7.00pm. All members are
welcome to attend.

Recommendation:
THAT
1. The Mayors opinion be sought on a change in the commencement time of
meetings from 5.00pm to 4.00pm.
2. The operation of the audio-induction (hearing loop) in the Function Room be
reviewed.

The meeting closed at 7.25 p.m.

NEXT MEETING:
The next meeting of the Committee has been scheduled for 15 July 2009 at 5.00 p.m. in the
Function Room, 137 Beamish Street, Campsie.
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ATTACHMENT

Proposal Recommendation
7-13/94-98 Beamish Street, Campsie
Use of an existing premises as a medical
1
centre with alterations to the building and Supported with access requirements
fitout.
10 William Street, Earlwood Supported with access requirements.
Alterations and additions to an existing Lift from lower ground floor car park to
2
medical centre ground floor to comply with
AS1735.12.
13-17 Cecilia Street, 32 & 34 Etela Street
& 35 Isobel Street, Belmore
Use of classrooms in existing school for Supported with access requirements.
3 kindergarten classes with additional One accessible car space to be
overflow playground and parking area. provided in new car park.
Additions to adjoining church including
disability access ramps
18 & 19 / 193 Canterbury Road,
Canterbury No change to existing facilities. No
4
Application to increase number of students comment on this proposal.
in an educational institution from 20 to 62.
54 Kingsgrove Road, Belmore
5 Pickles Motor Auctions site Supported with access requirements.
Office fit out and new security fence.
62 Clissold Parade, Campsie Supported with access requirements.
6 Use of an existing building as a boarding Accessible toilet facilities to be in
house. accordance with AS 1428 clause 10.
134 Woolcott Street, Earlwood
ESP Sports Club
Alterations and additions to the EBP Sports
7 Club including new outdoor dining and Supported with access requirements.
terrace areas to the rear of the club and
conversion of existing bowling green to a
new car park
142 Haldon Street, Lakemba
Alterations and additions to existing Supported with access requirements.
8
commercial premises to create five office Lift to comply with AS1735.12.
tenancies.
171-173 Canterbury Road, Canterbury Supported with access requirements.
Demolition of existing building and Accessible toilet to comply with AS
9
construction of a new commercial building. 1428.1 clause 10.

172 Georges River Road, Croydon Park
Use of existing premises as a beauty salon.
10
196 William Street, Earlwood
Use of existing premises as a brothel.
11
Supported with access requirements.
Existing toilet facilities do not meet
requirements of AS 1428.1 clause 10
accessible toilet facilities. Committee
recommends comply with AS 1428.1
clause 10.8 toilet facilities for people
with ambulant disabilities.
No comment on this proposal.
Brothel to be located on first floor as
per DCP requirements. No access is
provided to this level.
Advisory Committees DISABILITY ACCESS COMMITTEE
25 June 2009 Minutes of the meeting held on 20 May 2009
Proposal
246-248 Beamish Street, Campsie
Use of existing premises as a sports
massage centre
12
335 Burwood Road, Belmore
13
Use of existing premises as a liquor store.
427 Belmore Road, Belmore
Belmore RSL and Community Club
14
Conversion of part of the existing lounge
area into an outdoor dining area.
Shop 41 / 94 Beamish Street, Campsie
Fitout and first use of a tenancy on the
15
fourth floor of these premises as a drawing
coaching centre.
1 Broadway, Punchbowl
Construction of a mixed use development
including 24 residential apartments and 6
16 commercial tenancies.
Attachment
Page 6 of 6
Recommendation
Proposal not supported. Committee
takes the view that medical rooms and
ancillary services such as physio and
massage should always be accessible
to people with disabilities. Access not
provided as part of this proposal.
Supported with access requirements.
Supported with access requirements.
Supported with access requirements.
Committee requires that proposed
toilet be unisex accessible toilet to
comply with AS1428.1 clause 10.
Supported with access requirements
of the 24 residential units. The
committee requires that 2 units be
adaptable units in accordance with AS
4299.2. Parking spaces in residential
car park on basement level to be
accessible parking spaces.