Page 2386 - Week 07 - Thursday, 17 August 2006
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
(7) Are the requirements for local neighbourhood shopping centres similar to those placed on larger shopping centres such as those operated by Westfield; if not, how do they differ;
(8) Are any local shopping centres in breach of these guidelines; if so, which ones and why;
(9) If any local shopping centres are in breach of disabled parking guidelines, what action has the ACT Government taken to ensure that the shopping centres adhere to the guidelines.
Mr Corbell: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) (a) Parking spaces for disabled drivers in the ACT are provided in accordance with requirements in Australian Standard AS2890.1 - 2004 and with the relevant provisions of the Building Code of Australia (BCA), which is a requirement included in the ACT Parking and Vehicular Access Guidelines (the Guidelines) under the Territory Plan.
Prior to the introduction of AS2890.1 in 1986, the ACT Building Manual set out requirements for wheel-chair dependent people. Prior to 1986, the former National Capital Development Commission’s “Planning Policies for Local Centres” also specified requirements for parking, but did not specify particular requirements for people with disabilities.
(b) There is no difference in the requirements for wheel-chair dependent people and other classes of people with disabilities, however, the Australian Standard is being revised and the new draft makes special mention of parking provisions for wheel-chair dependent people.
(2) Westfield centres in the ACT are subject to the parking provision requirements set out in the Guidelines.
(3) Westfield Woden has 2,526 spaces in total, including 35 spaces for disabled parking. Westfield Belconnen has 1,993 parking, including 33 disabled parking spaces. As stated above there is no difference in the requirements for wheel-chair dependent drivers and other classes of people with disabilities.
(4) The Canberra Centre is required to adhere to the same guidelines that apply to all developers in the Territory.
(5) There are currently 41 marked disabled car parks.
(6) Yes.
(7) Parking for local or neighbourhood shopping centres is provided by surface car parking. Under AS2890.1, a minimum of one (1) space per 100 car parking spaces (or part thereof) is required for people with disabilities.
(8) Most local shopping centres provide more than the minimum disabled parking spaces required by AS2890.1. The ACT Planning and Land Authority does not undertake formal audits on the provision of parking on completion of development.
(9) The Department of Territory and Municipal Services responds to requests by members of the public to address any deficiency in the provision of disabled parking spaces at neighbourhood and local centres as the opportunity arises.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .