VictorianInfrastructurePlan

World-class infrastructure strengthens Victoria as a globally connected economy, an equitable society and an environmental leader.

The Secretary
Department of Premier and Cabinet
1 Macarthur Street Melbourne, Victoria, 3002

Information in this document is available at the Victorian Infrastructure Plan website.

ISBN978-1-925551-47-1 (Print)

ISBN978-1-925551-48-8 (pdf/online)

Authorised and published by the Victorian Government
1 Treasury Place, Melbourne, 3002

© State of Victoria 2017 (Department of Premier and Cabinet)

You are free to reuse this work under a Creative commons Attribution 4.0 licence, provided you credit the State of Victoria (Department of Premier and Cabinet) as author, indicate if changes were made and comply with the other licence terms. The licence does not apply to any branding, including government logos.

Making our infrastructure accessible

The Victorian Government is taking a universal design approach to all future infrastructure development.

Universal design is about making facilities and services accessible to people of all abilities. Universal design makes everything usable for as many people as possible from the beginning, so that changes aren’t needed later. It is relevant for Victorians with any mobility or accessibility need, from people living with disabilities or temporary injuries requiring mobility aids to families with prams. Universal design also helps older Victorians, by helping people to live at home for longer.

Under the Absolutely Everyone: State disability plan 2017-2020, government is developing policy to embed universal design principles across the state and make more infrastructure, services and places accessible to people of all abilities. This will enable and empower a diverse population by improving social participation, health and wellness.

Universal Design approaches are being applied across various projects, programs and the suburban and regional development networks, including:

  • public transport and road networks, including bicycle and pedestrian facilities,
  • inclusive schools fund,
  • sport and recreation programs, and
  • commitment to build a number of new Changing Places facilities.

Changing Places are a key component of Victoria’s Universal Design approach. The facilities are larger-than-standard accessible toilets, with extra features and more space. Ideal locations to install Changing Places are being identified near public transport and community amenities.

Victoria is leading the way with Changing Places, and the concept is gaining momentum across Australia. A facility was recently opened at Melbourne Zoo and the first Changing Places equipped commercial office tower is under construction in Melbourne's CBD.

Moving towards gender equality

The Victorian Government is taking action towards gender equality, including through its infrastructure investment.

The Victorian Infrastructure Plan makes Victoria’s infrastructure more accessible and inclusive.

The safety of women and children is a priority. We are establishing 17 new family violence safety and support hubs across the state. These will provide a new way for women, children and young people experiencing family violence to access coordinated support from justice, health and social services. Implementing the specialist Family Violence Courts model in five locations and increased funding for legal assistance will help victims and survivors find justice.

Greater choice in housing type and location will provide women with greater access to jobs and vital services. The Victorian Infrastructure Plan, along with Homes for Victorians and Plan Melbourne, delivers a greater volume and diversity of supported and social housing. This is in addition to the Victorian Government's housing affordability and accessibility reforms.

The new $200 million Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Melbourne’s west will provide high quality facilities and expand health services in areas of growing demand. It means more women will be able to get the care and treatment they need, and closer to home.

A drive to make sport more inclusive is a focus of Victorian infrastructure investment. We are building new facilities and upgrading existing ones to deliver female-friendly amenities, increase women’s participation in sport and provide more opportunities for recreation.

The Victorian Infrastructure Plan’s focus on gender equality builds on Victoria’s first Gender Equality Strategy Safe and Strong, released in 2016. As part of Safe and Strong, we are exploring gender audits for major transport projects.

Victorian Infrastructure Plan | page 1