Accessibility of local council facilities

Why this is important

Local councils own and maintain a range of facilities and infrastructure in their communities. These include administration offices, town halls, libraries, community centres, parks, footpaths, pools and sports grounds. Residents need to be able to access these facilities to use and benefit from them, and be socially included in their communities.

Councils have legal obligations to ensure their facilities are accessible under the Local Government Act 2020 (Victoria) and the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Commonwealth). This includes making reasonable adjustments to public buildings to reduce physical barriers for people with disability.

The Disability Act 2006 (Victoria) also requires local councils to prepare disability action plans that outline how they will reduce barriers to inclusion for people with disability, including physical access to facilities.

Despite these obligations, there is limited public information about the current accessibility of local council facilities and if councils are taking steps to improve it. 

What we plan to examine

We plan to examine if council-owned buildings and recreation facilities are accessible for people with disability.

Who we plan to examine

Local Government Victoria (Department of Government Services)

Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

A selection of local councils