Agenda of Shoalhaven Access Advisory Committee

Minutes of the Shoalhaven Access Advisory Committee

Meeting Date: Monday, 20 February 2017

Location: Osprey Training Room, Level 1, City Administrative Building, Bridge Road, Nowra

Time: 10.00 am

The following members were present:

Clr Annette Alldrick

Clr Nina Cheyne - Chairperson

Ms Jackie Kay

Mr Bill Deaves

Mr Theo Bagou

Ms Nola Stephens

Mr Martin Upitis - Assets Manager (General Manager’s Nominee)

Others Present:

Clr Kitchener

Clr White

Melissa Andrews – Community Development Officer

Malcolm Dillon – Building Surveyor Supervisor

Helen Waterhouse - Community Development Officer

Donna Corbyn – Youth Community Development Officer

Coralie Bell – Section Manager, Tourism

Annette Pham

Linda Bate

Natalie Verdon – Briometrix

Kylie Knight – Accessible Icon Project

Mel Montgomery – Accessible Icon Project

Apologies / Leave of Absence

An apology was received from Mel Gorman and Arthur Ball.

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Minutes of the Shoalhaven Access Advisory Committee held on Tuesday 08 November 2016 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Declarations of Interest

Nil

Reports

SAA17.5 Assistance Dogs - Access Issues

HPERM Ref: D17/46274

Linda Bate and her assistance dog, Aslan, were welcomed to the meeting.

Linda addressed the Committee advising of instances where she has been challenged, questioned and/or refused entry to some businesses in Nowra with her assistance dog. Linda expressed her concern that this demonstrates a lack of understanding of the laws and obligations of shop owners and workers in relation to assistance dogs.

Linda suggested that stickers could be made available in all shop windows welcoming companion and working dogs (not just guide dogs). Flyers could be handed out to all local shops to help raise awareness.

The Committee discussed the issue.

The Committee agreed that a representative from Guide Dogs be invited to attend the next Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee to raise the issue with that Committee. A representative from Guide Dogs also to be invited to the next Shoalhaven Access Advisory Committee meeting to discuss an awareness campaign.

The Committee also discussed access issues for people who use wheelchairs.

Council’s Building Surveyor Supervisor, advised that there is no mechanism for councils in New South Wales to enforce accessibility standards, such as installing ramps, retrospectively to older buildings. Councils can only enforce this at the DA stage of new buildings or when an alteration or a renovation requires a DA.

The Committee also discussed organising a “Wheels for a Day” awareness event, where councillors and people with disabilities to demonstrate the challenges of using wheelchairs to shop in the CBD.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That:

1. A representative from Guide Dogs be invited to attend the Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee to discuss the issue of raising the awareness of local businesses and the community regarding access for people with disabilities and their working dogs such as assistance dogs and guide dogs.

2. A “Wheels for a Day” awareness event be scheduled for people with disabilities to demonstrate the challenges of using wheelchairs to shop in the CBD. The media also be invited to the event.

CARRIED

SAA17.4 Presentation: Briometrix Mapping Services

HPERM Ref: D17/31692

Natalie Verdon addressed the Committee advising that Briometrix is an Australia company who create fitness devices and accessibility maps for the wheelchair community.

Data from trackers can be used to map such things as the best places for a person using a wheelchair to visit a place. The tracker employs an app and is attached to the wheelchair. Currently, and into the future this would assist inclusive tourism and councils in their accessibility planning. Briometrix is currently working with University of Wollongong and Wollongong City regarding educating the community and for information for visitors.

Coralie Bell, Tourism Manager, advised the Committee about the pilot programs and the Committee agreed that they would like Coralie to progress this project.

The Committee were invited to attend a Briometrix focus group on accessibility information to be held in the Committees Room at the Nowra Showground on 28 February 2017 at 10.30am.

RESOLVED (By consent)

1. That the details of the meeting of the Briometrix focus group to be held in the Committees Room at the Nowra Showground on 28 February 2017 at 10.30am be emailed to Committee members.

2. That the Committee support Council to progress the Briometrix pilot programs.

CARRIED

SAA17.3 Presentation: Accessible Icon Project

HPERM Ref: D17/10309

Kylie Knight and Mel Montgomery addressed the Committee and showed a PowerPoint presentation.

The Accessible Icon Project is an ongoing work of design activism. The graphic accessible icon is free for use in the public domain. The Accessible Icon Project is a collaboration among people with disabilities and their allies toward a more accessible world.

The new icon is white on blue, to keep to the standard colour scheme of the original icon. There is just one wheel, with two cutouts to emphasise its motion.

The Accessible Icon Project would like the Committee to ask Council for support for their the project by phasing out old signs and replacing them with signs with the new icon and using the new icon on the website.

The Committee discussed the new icon and the need for universal accessible design.

More information can be found at http://accessibleicon.org/

Recommendation (By consent)

Council consider replacing their current accessible icon with the new accessible icon as designed by the Accessible Icon Project http://accessibleicon.org/ .

SAA17.1 Application for Membership

HPERM Ref: D17/8342

Recommendation (By consent)

1. That Council appoint Annette Pham as a member of the Shoalhaven Access Advisory Committee.

2. That Annette Pham be notified of her appointment and invited to all future meetings.

SAA17.2 Progress on Actions from Previous Shoalhaven Access Advisory Committee Meetings

HPERM Ref: D17/9875

Donna Corbyn, Youth Community Development Officer, provided an update regarding the beach wheelchairs and advised that she will be lodging a submission to the Local Government awards. The awards celebrate local government achievements, highlighting innovative and resourceful solutions that local governments have implemented to make a difference within their communities. Donna suggested, once details are known about the awards, that the Committee consider a staff member and a Committee representative to attend the awards ceremony.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Shoalhaven Access Advisory Committee receive the report for information.

CARRIED

General Business

SAA17.3 Presentation: Accessible Icon Project

HPERM Ref: D17/10309

Item dealt with earlier in the meeting

SAA17.4 Presentation: Briometrix Mapping Services

HPERM Ref: D17/31692

Item dealt with earlier in the meeting

SAA17.5 Assistance Dogs - Access Issues

HPERM Ref: D17/46274

Item dealt with earlier in the meeting

SAA17.6 Additional Item - Livvi's Place - Mollymook

Helen Waterhouse, Community Development Officer, provided a PowerPoint presentation and updated the Committee regarding Livvi’s Place. Construction of Livvi’s Place at Mollymook, an inclusive play space, will begin in the near future.

SAA17.7 Additional Item - Accessible Carparks

Martin Upitis, Assets Manager, provided an update regarding the inspection and technical investigation on the possibility of an accessible parking space to be provided for:

· The 45 degree parking area at Graham St, Nowra (near the public toilet) and;

· Meroo Road, Bomaderry (near the hotel).

The Bomaderry accessible parking space is not viable and would be very costly, however a recommendation will be made to Council for the Graham Street accessible space.

Recommendation (By consent)

That Council:

1. Convert the 2 x 45 degree existing car parks in Graham Street to one accessible carpark.

2. Include the new accessible icon signage.

SAA17.8 Additional Item - Lift Access - New Chinese Restaurant in Huskisson

The Committee agreed that this issue needs to remain on the action table as it is not yet resolved. Signage on how to access the lift is not clear, for example, a sign could be placed near the real estate agency office.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That Council follow up regarding the issue of suitable signage on how to access the lift in the new Chinese restaurant in Huskisson.

CARRIED

SAA17.9 Additional Item - Riverfest Public Access and Transport

The Committee considered how to fund an inclusive bus for the River Festival. It was noted that an application could be made to Council for grant funding. Nola Stephens advised that she would like to discuss making a grant application.

Nola Stephens and Bill Deaves agreed to attend the first River Festival Committee meeting for 2017.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That:

1. A Community Development Officer to assist Nola Stephens to submit a grant application to fund an inclusive bus for the 2017 Riverfest.

2. Shannan Perry-Hall, Tourism Investments and Events Specialist to advise Nola Stephens and Bill Deaves the date, time and venue for the first River Festival Committee meeting for 2017 so that they can attend on behalf of the Shoalhaven Access Advisory Committee.

CARRIED

SAA17.10 Additional Item - Draft Sustainable Events Application Form

The Committee discussed the draft Sustainable Events Application form that was provided with the action table. It was agreed that the Committee would consider the form and provide feedback at the next meeting on 22 May 2017.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Shoalhaven Access Advisory Committee member to consider the draft Sustainable Events Application form and provide feedback at the next Committee meeting on 22 May 2017.

CARRIED

SAA17.11 Additional Item - Membership

Clr Cheyne advised the Committee that she thought it would be appropriate for their membership to include a member of the Aboriginal community and applications will be sought.

SAA17.12 Additional Item - Access Issues - Huskisson Wharf

Jackie Kay raised the on-going access issue at Huskisson Wharf.

The Committee also discussed the Council resolutions of 20 December 2016 and 25 October 2016 regarding establishment of a Huskisson Wharf working party.

Recommendation (By consent)

That Council establish a Huskisson Wharf working party, made up of representatives of RMS, Crown Lands, Jervis Bay Wild (Brendan Aulsebrook), Huskisson Wharf Management Committee (David MacDonald & Terry O’Connor) and Inclusive Tourism (Chris Mitchell) be established immediately with a meeting to be held within 21 days to discuss the ongoing issues at Huskisson Wharf of disability access for inclusive tourism..

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 12.05pm.

Clr Nina Cheyne

CHAIRPERSON

Shoalhaven Access Advisory Committee – Monday 22 May 2017

Page 8

SAA17.14 Membership - NSW Ageing Disability and Home Care

HPERM Ref: D17/120270

Group: Finance Corporate & Community Services Group

Section: Recreation Community & Culture

Purpose / Summary

To inform the Committee that

a) The NSW Ageing Disability and Home Care representative member has resigned from the Shoalhaven Access Advisory Committee, and

b) To consider inviting a representative from the National Disability Insurance Agency’s partner Uniting Local Area Coordination Team to participate on the Shoalhaven Access Advisory Committee.

Recommendation

That Council

1. Accept the membership resignation of NSW Ageing Disability and Home Care and write to thank them for their contribution.

2. Invite Uniting National Disability Insurance Scheme Local Area Coordination Team to nominate a member to participate on the Shoalhaven Access Advisory Committee.

3. Update the Shoalhaven Access Advisory Committee membership once confirmed.

Options

1. As recommended.

Implications: With the membership of a representative from Uniting National Disability Insurance Scheme Local Area Coordination Team the Shoalhaven Access Advisory Committee with be better informed on the developments of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

2. The Committee adopt an alternative recommendation

Implications: Unknown as this stage, however declining to consider the nomination of Uniting National Disability Insurance Scheme Local Area Coordination Team may adversely impact on the Committees access to information on the NDIS.

Background

Until the end of 2016, a representative from NSW Ageing Disability and Home Care (ADHC) participated on the Shoalhaven Access Advisory Committee.

Council has recently been advised that with the introduction of the NDIS, ADHC will no longer participate on the Committee.

The NDIS is an Australia-wide scheme to support people with permanent and significant disability which will replace the current disability support system. The Scheme will become available in the Illawarra Shoalhaven district from July 2017.

Uniting is the NDIS Local Area Coordination partner delivering local area coordination services in NSW during the transition period from January 2016 to June 2018.

It is seen as beneficial to have representation on the Shoalhaven Access Advisory Committee of an agency directly involved in the NDIS and the Committee is encouraged to support this recommendation.

Shoalhaven Access Advisory Committee – Monday 22 May 2017

Page 10

SAA17.15 Action Table

HPERM Ref: D17/125277

Group: Finance Corporate & Community Services Group

Section: Recreation Community & Culture

Purpose / Summary

To update the Committee about the progress on actions from previous committee meetings.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Committee receive this report for information.

Options

1. That the committee receive this report for information.

Implications: The committee is informed about progress on actions arising from past business.

2. That the committee does not accept the report for information and makes an alternative recommendation.

Implications: Areas of priority identified by the committee are not addressed in a timely way.

Background

File Number	Added to Action Table	Issue	Outcomes	Reports or comments 22 May
1228E SAA 17.8	December 2015	The new Chinese Restaurant in Huskisson has a lift however a key is required to gain access.	The Committee agreed that this issue needs to remain on the action table as it is not yet resolved. Signage on how to access the lift is not clear, for example, a sign could be placed near the real estate agency office. Resolved by consent that Council follow up regarding the issue of suitable signage on how to access the lift.	The building owners have agreed to place a new sign at the walkway entrance (near the real estate agency) and another sign near the lift itself. The signs will incorporate the International Symbol of Access. The building owners have provided Council with a draft copy of the proposed signs to be installed. This draft was verbally approved. The signs should be installed before the next meeting
1228E SAA17.9	June 2016	Riverfest Public Access and Transport	1. A community development officer to assist Nola Stephens to submit a grant application to fund an inclusive bus for 2017 Riverfest. 2. Shannan Perry-Hall, Tourism Investments and Events to advise Nola Stephens and Bill Deaves the Details for the next Riverfest committee meeting for 2017 so they can attend on behalf of SAAC.	1. Community Development Officer (CDO) in consultation with Nola Stephens and the River Festival Committee has submitted a funding application to Transport NSW to fund an accessible shuttle bus for the entire event. 2. Nola and Bill attended the meeting to give details of need for bus. The committee were supportive and agreed to make provision in their traffic management plan.
5603E	June 2016	Winter Wine Festival – Accessible Options	1. Tourism Investment and Events officer will follow up and advise organisers on accessible Transport, communication and parking. (See previous minutes for detail). 2. Members to review the sustainable events application form draft attached to previous minutes) and provide feedback at the next meeting on 22 May 2017.	1. Organisers were advised of recommended changes and significant adjustments were made to the website, brochure and event flyers.
53882E	Sept. 2016	Scenic Drive Nowra Footpath	Closed	No further action
7481E	Sept. 2016	Car Parking Code and Car Parking Standard	Report be brought back to the Shoalhaven Access Advisory Committee on the progress of the Development Control Plan Chapter 18 (Car Parking Codes). Jenna Tague advised that The proposed changes to Chapter G21: Car Parking and Traffic have been included in DCP 2014 Amendment 7 for investigation. Work on this amendment has commenced. It would be best to get a further update from me prior to the May (?) 2017 meeting. It is still my intention to circulate a draft Chapter G21 to the Committee at the appropriate stage - we are not in a position to do this yet.	Team Coordinator – Strategy Planning South still working on Amendment 7 and I will let you know when we are ready for consultation with the Committee.
10465E SAA17.7	Sept. 2016	Accessible Carparks	Referred to Ordinary Meeting 28 Feb 2017 for resolution. Recommendation that council: 1. Convert the 2 x 45 degree existing car parks in Graham St to 1 accessible space. 2. Include the new Accessible Icon Signage.	Recommendation Carried. MIN17.152
DA16/1123	Sept. 2016	North St, Nowra – Pedestrian Crossing	Closed	No further action.
1228E D17/834	February 2017	Application for Membership	Referred to ordinary Council meeting 28 Feb. 17. That council appoint Annette Pham as a member of the Shoalhaven Access Advisory Committee meeting.	SAA17.1 Carried MIN 17.151
1228E D17/10309	February 2017	Accessible Icon project	Referred to ordinary Council meeting 28 Feb. 17. That council consider replacing their current accessible icon with the new accessible icon as designed by the Accessible Icon project http://accessibleicon.org/	This did not go before the meeting. Recommend that it is referred to next council meeting. A representative from Asset Management, Assets & Works-Asset Management; and a representative from Planning and development to advise at meeting.
1228E D17/31692	February 2017	Briometrix Mapping Services	Resolved by consent that the details of the meeting of the Briometrix focus group to be held in the Committees Room at the Nowra Showground on 28 February 2017 at 10.30am be emailed to Committee members.	Focus Group held. 3 community members were present including Bill Deaves and Jackie Kay representing Shoalhaven Access Advisory Committee. Thanks to Bill and Jackie for their time.
1228E D17/46274 D17/77943	February 2017	Assistance Dogs - Access Issue	1. A representative from Guide Dogs be invited to attend the Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee to discuss the issue of raising the awareness of local businesses and the community regarding access for people with disabilities and their working dogs such as assistance dogs and guide dogs. 2. A “wheels for a day” awareness event be scheduled for people with disabilities to demonstrate the difficulties of using a wheelchair to shop in the CBD. The media also be invited to the event.	1. CDO working with a representative from Guide Dogs Australia to undertake and awareness campaign. This cannot take place until after May as Guide Dogs Australia are re vamping all their training. 2. CDO has prepared a report for the CBD revitalisation committee recommending that they set up a fund similar to the Facade Improvement fund to encourage building owners in the CBD to improve access to premises. This has been accepted and project guidelines are currently being developed. Expected launch date is July 1. For more info See minutes of the Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee (CBD17.20). 3. Wheels for a day needs to be reconsidered due to resourcing constraints. For discussion at meeting.
SAA17.12	February 2017	Access Issues – Huskisson Wharf	Jackie Kay raised the on-going access issue at Huskisson Wharf. The Committee also discussed the Council resolutions of 20 December 2016 and 25 October 2016 regarding establishment of a Huskisson Wharf working party	RESOLVED - MIN17.121 That: 1. Council immediately establish a Huskisson Wharf Working Party, 2. The Working Party be made up of representatives of RMS, Crown Lands, Jervis Bay Wild (Brendan Aulsebrook), Huskisson Wharf Management Committee (David MacDonald & Terry O’Connor), Inclusive Tourism (Chris Mitchell) and the General Manager or Nominee 3. Council hold a meeting of the Working Party within 21 days to discuss the ongoing issues at Huskisson Wharf of disability access for inclusive tourism 4. The Working Party be reviewed in six months (August 2017)

Shoalhaven Access Advisory Committee – Monday 22 May 2017

Page 35

SAA17.22 Changing Place Toilet For Huskisson

HPERM Ref: D17/149775

Submitted by: Annette Pham

Recommendation

That Council co-fund a Changing Place Toilet at White Sands Park Huskisson.

Details

The Disability Inclusion Action Plan calls for funding of further adult change facilities in the Shoalhaven. Some private funding is available and I propose that Council provide the remaining funds to build a Changing Place Toilet at Huskisson. This can be done for a very reasonable sum and would be a great opportunity for council to show it’s commitment to livable communities as outlined in the disability inclusion action plan.

Quote to be tabled at the Committee meeting.

Note by the General Manager

Council has been a strong supporter of changing places toilets over recent years. However funding has to be diverted from other high priority works.

The Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) http://doc.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/DisplayDoc.aspx?record=D17/111498 identifies at strategy S2.1 progressively increase the availability of accessible toilets across the Shoalhaven. An outcome of the DIAP is at O2.1.2 and strategy is Identify potential Council projects that could accommodate a Changing Place facilities. Action A2.1.2 is to Identify Council projects that could accommodate a changing Places facility and lobby for funds to provide for them.

A Changing Places room http://changingplaces.org.au/ is a facility that caters for persons with severe and profound disabilities and their carers as they are unable to use the current standard accessible toilets. The room includes an electronic hoist, adjustable adult change table and has more circulation space than a room provided for under the current legislation. The WC is peninsular to allow for 2 carers either side of the WC. This is non-compliant with the current standards for toilets for persons with disabilities and the WC is not able to be used by most wheelchair users who rely on grab rails on the wall. Thus there is a requirement for a compliant accessible toilet room as well when providing a changing places room. It is worth noting that the Public amenity at White sands was constructed in 2004 and has a toilet for persons with disabilities.

A changing Places room is not currently a requirement of the current building code, premises standard or Australian Standards but Council has already demonstrated its commitment to changing places facilities. It is worth noting that in Victoria, Changing Places facilities have been funded by the State Government http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/have-your-say-on-how-we-change-places-to-change-lives/ .

Shoalhaven City Council has led the way with providing Changing Places rooms with facilities currently located at

· Nowra Aquatic Park – this is able to be used without paying for entry to the Nowra Aquatic Park

· Public toilet at Burrill lake – Lions park

· Public toilet at Mollymook all-inclusive play space – proposed to be open for patron use this year

Changing places provided by others for public use in the Shoalhaven are located at in Nowra at Stockland’s shopping Centre and Vincentia at the Bay & Basin Shopping Complex.

In major CBD areas such as

· Nowra – options are Nowra Aquatic park or Stockland shopping Centre

· Ulladulla – options are public toilet at Burrill lake and in near future Mollymook All-inclusive play space

· Bay & Basin – options are Bay & Basin Shopping Complex

What is Shoalhaven City Councils Public amenity Strategy?

Shoalhaven City Council has 119 public amenities (toilets) which are provided in areas of high demand associated with the use of other services such as:

· commercial/shopping centres

· parks or

· waterway facilities

There are many other public amenities provide at sporting facilities not included in this total which are opened for patron use. 58 of the 119 public toilets provided by Council were compliant for persons with disabilities at the time they were constructed.

Current asset strategy for public amenities is to replace those that are highly utilised, in poor or very poor condition, with current legislation that is for to cater for the 80 to 90th percentile of persons with disabilities. The current public amenity capital budget allows for on average the replacement, refurbishment or new public amenity each financial year. Council has with public amenity buildings replaced 6, refurbished 4 and constructed 7 in the past 13 years, 2 of which included changing places rooms.

This current financial year no old public amenity was replaced as Council used the budget to contribute to part of the construction costs of the new changing places room which are a higher cost than the compliant public toilet for persons with a disability at Mollymook All-inclusive play space. The budget for a public amenity replacement was $120,000 and this along with a grant received of $35,000 unfortunately was not sufficient funding for the construction of the new facility which includes two toilets:- a changing places room and a compliant accessible toilet at Mollymook All-inclusive play space.

Council has tendered all three changing places rooms that are part of other facilities or projects and is aware of actual cost. The level of co-founding would have to be agreed to as a Percentage of the project and a upper monetary limit along with a identified budget that identifies what service or capital budget will be reduced. Unfortunately, the limited budget for renewing facilities cannot support a changing places toilet against other priorities.

With Public amenities the strategy includes factors such as location (CBD, park or waterway facility), utilisation levels, other existing infrastructure and utilisation level.