Planning Report - Code MCU - 25-27 Toolar St Tewantin.pdf

5.2     Development Intent
The proposed development is intended to provide housing to allow ageing in place in specifically
designed dwellings which can satisfy the needs of people with mobility impairment or special needs
seeking independent living or requiring housing that can be adapted to their changing needs either as
a sole occupant or with family/ carer support.

Statistical background

The 2012, ABS survey of Disability, Aging and Carers (SDAC) indicates that an estimate 4.2 million
Australians or 18.5% of the population had a disability. The survey defined disability as, any limitation,
restriction or impairment which restricts everyday activities and has lasted, or is likely ty last, for at least
6 months. Those people with a disability aged between 15 and 64 have a lower participation and higher
unemployment than people without a disability. Disability can also impact on educational opportunities,
social participation and community activities.

Building Better Homes is a partnership of peak bodies and agencies working together to secure
mandatory minimum accessibility standards in the national building code of Australia (NCC). Their 2020
survey found that, of people with mobility impairment, 73.6% of respondents were living in housing that
does not meet their needs.

The Endeavour Foundation also report that housing satisfying the needs of people living with a disability
is in short supply. A lack of accessible housing, results in many Australians unable to find housing that
is appropriate to their needs which impacts on their quality of life, productivity and employment
opportunities.

The costs to modify existing housing can be high, with increased need for paid and unpaid care being
required and further reduction in workforce and community participation the result.

ABS data indicates that, in general, as a person ages, their need for assistance with daily activities
increases. For those over 70 the likelihood of this need increases significantly. The 2006 census data
shows that 61% of the population reporting need for assistance were aged 60 or more (refer Figure 5).

The census data shows that while people may live alone for a number of reasons, the likelihood of a
person aged between 25 and 64 who is in need of assistance and living alone is greater than those
without the need for assistance and 81% of people needing assistance live in private dwellings. It is
noted that while many non-private dwellings are set up specifically to care for older people and the
burden of care tends to transition from home to institution, other non-private dwellings such as hostels
and caravan parks are not specifically set up for caring and yet still have relatively high numbers of
people requiring assistance.




                                  Material Change of Use – Multiple Dwelling (Code Assessment)