Access » Access Committee   The aim of the Lane Cove Council’s Access Committee is to assist Council increase and promote general awareness of access, mobility and safety issues in the community and more specifically for people with disabilities. Background A Lane Cove Access Committee operated from 1985 to March 2001. It became an incorporated association in 1993. The Committee was a community based Committee and the membership fluctuated over time but had representation from professional fields such as physiotherapists or occupational therapists from the Independent Living Centre, representatives from Greenwich Hospital, Council officers and interested local community members. Unfortunately, it disbanded in 2001 due to falling committee representation and lack of community support to fill vacancies as they arose. The Committee was instrumental in bringing to the fore access and mobility issues. This included an audit of shopping centres in the L.G.A, and publication of a mobility and access map. The committee informed Council on standards and adherence to the Disability Discrimination Act (Cwlth) 1992 [DDA] and the Anti-Discrimination Act (NSW) 1977 [ADA]. Issues covered included kerbs, ramps and footpath access. It also assisted Council in developing an Access and Mobility Development Control Plan (DCP). Current Committee An Access Committee was re-established by Council in 2004. The Committee's charter is to: • Advise on access and mobility which strengthens Council’s planning instruments, e.g. Plans of Management, Adaptable Housing, the Access and Mobility Development Control Plan and the LEP. • Have the opportunity for input into strategic policies to incorporate access initiatives through consultation with older people, those with disabilities, service providers and stakeholders. • Assist in increasing awareness and responsiveness of staff, the public and Councillors in access and mobility issues which meet the needs of the Lane Cove community – e.g. by providing knowledge and resources towards developing and improving accessible toilets, accessible transport, accessible public spaces, etc. Lane Cove Council’s Access Committee meetings are held bi-monthly on the last Monday of the month from 10am to noon on Level 2 Civic Centre. The Access Committee is chaired by a Councillor with service organisation representation as well as relevant professional expertise and interested community representatives. Council representation includes the Community Development Officer Aged & Disability Services, the Road Safety Officer from Urban Services and the Manager of Planning from Environmental Services. An Access and Safety Notification Form can be used to report issues of concern. It is available from Council, Lane Cove Library and from the website. If there is an access issue you would like to raise with the Committee, please email or contact the Community Development Officer – Aged & Disability Services on (02) 9911 3593.