Independence and dignity: Practical wins for accessibility

A city is only welcoming when everyone can use it

Accessibility is sometimes treated as a specialist matter—something to be considered after a building, street or public space has already been designed.

That approach has it backwards.

Accessibility should be part of every decision from the beginning. It should influence how we design our streets, manage parking, run events, communicate information and plan the future of our city.

For a person using a wheelchair, walking frame or mobility aid, a poorly positioned sign or an inaccessible footpath can close off an entire street. For someone attending a hospital appointment, the availability of a suitable parking space can determine whether that appointment is manageable at all.

These may seem like small matters to those who never encounter the barriers. For those who do, they are the difference between independence and exclusion.

Since becoming Chair of Hobart’s Access Advisory Committee in 2023, I have had the privilege of working alongside committee members with lived experience, disability advocates, community representatives and Council officers.

The strength of the committee comes from listening to people who understand these challenges firsthand. Our role is then to turn that experience into practical improvements.

One of the most significant outcomes has been the addition of eight accessible parking bays at the Argyle Street Car Park, close to the walkway connecting with the Wellington Centre and Royal Hobart Hospital.

This increased the number of accessible bays in the car park from 33 to 41.

For someone attending a medical appointment, visiting a family member in hospital or working nearby, reliable access in this location matters enormously. It is not simply a line painted on concrete. It represents dignity, independence and one less barrier during what may already be a difficult day.

Accessibility was also made a priority during consultation on the Collins Street trial. Through the involvement of the Access Advisory Committee, two additional accessible parking spaces were included within the trial area.

Good consultation should do more than allow people to express an opinion. It should change outcomes. This is a clear example of people with lived experience helping improve a project before its design became permanent.

Another important achievement has been the launch of Hobart’s online Access Map.

The map allows people to locate accessible parking spaces, toilets, bus stops, taxi ranks, seating, hearing loops and other facilities across the city.

Importantly, it was designed to work with screen readers and keyboard navigation. Accessibility is not only about physical infrastructure. It is also about making sure people can obtain the information they need to plan their journey with confidence.

The City has also produced a new Accessibility Guide, bringing together practical information about transport, parking, wheelchair hire, MLAK keys, accessible venues, charging facilities and different ways of contacting Council.

The committee has helped develop accessibility guidance for event organisers and stallholders as well.

Hobart hosts markets, festivals, ceremonies and community events throughout the year. These gatherings should be open to everyone. Thoughtful decisions about pathways, seating, signage, toilets and stall layouts can prevent unnecessary barriers and make events safer and more enjoyable for the entire community.

We have also supported the Respect the Space campaign, which raises awareness about keeping footpaths clear of signs, furniture, boxes and other obstructions.

A footpath may appear wide and accessible until an advertising board, café table or delivery crate is placed in the middle of it. For someone with impaired vision or limited mobility, that obstacle can become a real hazard.

Clear footpaths also benefit older residents, parents with prams, delivery workers and anyone temporarily recovering from illness or injury. Accessibility improvements rarely benefit only one group. A city designed well for people with disability usually works better for everyone.

Perhaps one of the most important advances has been embedding accessibility more firmly into Council’s longer-term planning.

The Hobart Transport Strategy now provides for the Access Advisory Committee to help ensure transport policies and projects are considered through an equal-access lens. Council has also adopted the Hobart: A City for All Action Plan 2026–29, which establishes continuing work across public spaces, transport, events, information, outdoor dining and community participation.

This matters because accessibility must not depend on someone raising an objection after a project has been completed.

It must be considered early—when plans can still be changed, problems can be prevented and public money can be spent wisely.

There remains much more to do.

We need to continue improving footpaths, crossings, public transport facilities, seating, public toilets and access to parks and community spaces. We must also recognise hidden disabilities and ensure that Council information and services are understandable and available in different formats.

These achievements belong to the committee members, advocates and Council staff who have contributed their knowledge, persistence and lived experience.

My role as Chair has been to listen, support that work and help turn good ideas into practical outcomes.

Accessibility is not about granting special treatment. It is about removing unnecessary barriers so every person has the opportunity to participate in the life of their city.

Hobart should be a city where people of every age and ability can move with dignity, confidence and independence.

A city is only truly welcoming when everyone can use it.