Mildura Rural City Council has adopted the Accessible Parking Permit (APP) scheme, an initiative of the Victorian Department of Transport (VicRoads), which aims to streamline the application process and provide more permit options for people with a disability.
The new system went live across Victoria on 22 March, and includes an online permit process.
Residents and organisations that need a new permit, or want to renew or replace a permit, now need to apply through the new application process.
Councillor for Community Development and Gender Equality Helen Healy said aligning with the Australian Disability Parking (ADP) Permit Scheme offered several advantages over the previous arrangements. These include
- introduction of temporary permits for six, 12 or 24 months
- increasing the permit length for individuals from three years to five years
- introduction of a new permanent disability classification, meaning reassessments are not required for some future permit renewals
- a single and secure state-wide permit design that will reduce misuse of permits
- inclusion of occupational therapists as assessors, in addition to GPs.
Three different parking permits are available under the new system:
- an ADP Permit, which replaces the previous Category 1 Blue Permits
- a Double Time Permit, replacing the previous Category 2 Green Permit
- an ADP Organisation Permit, which replaces the previous Blue organisation permit.
Residents or organisations with existing permits do not need to reapply under the new system until their permit expiry date.
Cr Healy said the new system would provide consistency in the application process while offering more options for residents and business who need disability access permits.
"The introduction of an online registration process makes it so much easier for people to apply for permits as applicants can do everything from their homes," Cr Healy said.
"This is particularly relevant given in many cases it could be difficult for the people who need these permits to get around and travel to fill out the necessary paperwork.
"The inclusion of occupational therapists as well as GPs in the assessment process is another major step forward as it provides the best advice and expertise to ensure applicants obtain the most suitable permit for their needs."
