Inclusion & Access Advisory Committee - 30/03/2026

Topics

• Council committee escalates accessible parking concerns at Nowra Services Australia
  The advisory committee voted to push the accessible parking issue to ministers and council officers for a broader review.
  Could affect access for residents visiting Centrelink and other essential services, and may prompt practical parking changes.
• Accessible transport item remains unresolved
  An earlier action on accessible transport in the Shoalhaven stayed open and will return to the next meeting.
  Signals ongoing access barriers for residents who depend on transport options that accommodate disability needs.
• Updated action table received and items closed
  The committee received the updated action table report and removed completed items, including the Terms of Reference review, the deferred Disability Inclusion Action Plan workshop, and the Centrelink carparking item. The accessible transport item remains incomplete and is to come back next meeting.
  Shows which accessibility issues have been resolved and which remain active for follow-up.

Decisions

• Chair and deputy chair appointed
  Clr Gillian Boyd was appointed Chairperson for the next 12 months and Ms Veronica Rawlinson was appointed Deputy Chairperson for the next 12 months.
  Sets the committee leadership that will guide future inclusion and access advice to Council.
• Updated action table received and items closed
  The committee received the updated action table report and removed completed items, including the Terms of Reference review, the deferred Disability Inclusion Action Plan workshop, and the Centrelink carparking item. The accessible transport item remains incomplete and is to come back next meeting.
  Shows which accessibility issues have been resolved and which remain active for follow-up.
• Accessible parking issue escalated
  The committee agreed to seek a report on accessible parking spots in the Shoalhaven, write to State and Federal Ministers and local members about accessible parking at the Services Australia building in Nowra, and ask for a broader review of accessible parking near health and community services, including a mapping count against population growth.
  Could lead to better disabled parking access near essential services and improved planning for future demand.

Discussion

• Accessible parking at Services Australia, Nowra
  Members discussed the shortage and status of accessible parking spaces at the Services Australia building in Nowra and requested external advocacy and a wider council review.
  Directly affects people visiting Centrelink and nearby health and community services, especially residents with mobility needs.
• Accessible transport action remains open
  The action table noted that the item on the state of accessible transport in the Shoalhaven LGA was not completed and will be brought back to the next meeting.
  Accessible transport is a key issue for residents who rely on public or community transport options.
• How to report accessibility concerns
  Council staff advised members and the broader community about the available channels to report accessibility concerns, with the reporting link to be included in the minutes and on Council’s website.
  Makes it easier for residents to raise access barriers in public spaces and service areas.

Impacts

• Potential improvements to accessible parking at Nowra’s Services Australia building.
• Possible broader review of accessible parking near health and community services across the Shoalhaven.
• Continued attention to accessible transport issues in the LGA.
• Clearer public pathways for reporting accessibility problems to Council.

Places

• Nowra (town)
  Location of the Services Australia building discussed for accessible parking.
• Services Australia Building Nowra (facility)
  Focus of the accessible parking discussion and proposed ministerial correspondence.
• Shoalhaven LGA (local government area)
  Area subject to a wider mapping and comparison of accessible parking and transport issues.

Next

• Prepare a report on the status of accessible parking spots in the Shoalhaven.
  Future report to committee
• Write to State and Federal Ministers and local members about accessible parking at Services Australia Building Nowra.
  Following the meeting
• Review accessible parking near health and community services, including a mapping count and comparison with population growth.
  Requested for future follow-up
• Return the incomplete accessible transport item to the next meeting.
  Next meeting
• Publish the accessibility concern reporting link with the minutes and on Council’s website.
  With meeting minutes

Extract

Meeting Minutes MINUTES OF THE INCLUSION & ACCESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE Meeting Date: Monday, 30 March 2026 Location: Osprey/Orchid Training Room, City Administrative Building, Bridge Road, Nowra Time: 11:03 AM The following members were present: Clr Gillian Boyd – Chairperson Mayor Patricia White Clr Debbie Killian Clr Selena Clancy Ms Veronica Rawlinson Ms Jodie Hoger (Observer) Mr Bill Deaves Mr Frederick Oberg Ms Kylieanne Derwent Ms Amanda Smith Ms Juliette Boyd Ms Kate Kinch Mr Andrew Constance - Chief Executive Officer Others present Ms Katie Buckman – Director – City Performance Ms Jessica Richardson – Acting Lead – Vibrant Communities Ms Carolyn Wilkes – Social Planner Ms Natalie John...