Shoalhaven access committee backs parking review and leaves transport issue open

Shoalhaven City Council’s Inclusion & Access Advisory Committee has asked for a report on accessible parking across the Shoalhaven, after turning its attention to parking at the Services Australia building in Nowra at its 30 March meeting.

Clr Gillian Boyd was appointed chairperson for the next 12 months and Ms Veronica Rawlinson was appointed deputy chairperson for the next 12 months. The appointments were made by consent in the Osprey/Orchid Training Room at the City Administrative Building on Bridge Road, Nowra. The meeting began at 11.03am.

The committee then received its updated action table and cleared a series of completed items. Those included the Terms of Reference review, the deferred Disability Inclusion Action Plan workshop and the carparking item linked to the relocation of Centrelink.

One item stayed open. IA24.3, the state of accessible transport in the Shoalhaven LGA, was marked incomplete and will return to the next meeting.

On parking, the committee agreed to receive a report from the Chief Executive Officer, through the Director, City Services, on the status of accessible parking spots in the Shoalhaven. It also resolved that Council write to State and Federal Ministers and local State and Federal members about accessible parking at the Services Australia building in Nowra.

The committee also asked for a broader look at accessible parking near health and community services. That review is to include a mapping count of spaces in the community and a comparison with population growth.

Council staff also told members and the wider community about the available ways to report accessibility concerns. The link for reporting, requests and feedback is to be included with the minutes and made available on Council’s website.

The committee’s earlier Disability Inclusion Action Plan discussion covered engagement on the 2022-26 plan and the development of the 2026-30 plan. Staff told the meeting that 240 survey responses were received. They also said public transport accessibility is mainly a State Government responsibility, while Council continues to advocate on the issue.

For residents who rely on mobility parking or accessible transport, the focus remains on access to essential services in central Nowra and across the Shoalhaven.

The committee closed at 12.28pm after Chairperson Clr Gillian Boyd signed off the minutes.