Victoria reveals new approach to infrastructure and design

The appointment of the inaugural Infrastructure Victoria board will provide certainty and much-needed predictability to Victoria’s infrastructure planning processes, according to the Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TTF) Chief Executive Margy Osmond.

Osmond stated “I am gladdened to hear the Premier say the aim of the exercise is to ‘take the politics out of infrastructure planning.

“Governments around Australia have a massive challenge right now to ensure they are building the appropriate infrastructure to support the industries of the future as our economy transforms from its focus on resources.

“This is a very strong board line-up whose members have a strong understanding of the need to set clear priorities in this vital area of state planning.”

Victorian Minister for Sport John Eren has also launched Design For Everyone: A Guide To Sport And Recreation Settings, a simple-to-use web portal that will provide architects, designers and project managers with a series of ‘universal design’ principals that will be a key requirement of Sport and Recreation Victoria funding applications.

A concept that puts people at the heart of the design process, universal design aims to ensure buildings, programs and environments are designed to meet the needs of everyone.

The Design for Everyone Guide is an online resource featuring the universal design principles, which will assist builders and planners develop spaces like pools and stadiums that are accessible to everyone.

The practical, easy-to-use resource will provide general and technical information to assist a range of professionals, including landscape architects, civil engineers and building certifiers. The guide is a must-have for anyone wanting to develop public infrastructure that is inclusive, welcoming and universally designed.

Encouraged the aquatic, recreation and sport sector to become champions of universal design, Minister Eren stated “we’re committed to investing in projects that make a real difference to everyone. That means ensuring our sports areas are accessible to all Victorians.”

“The Design for Everyone Guide is an easy-to-use resource for anyone wanting to develop public places that improve the lives of everyone – no matter their ability, age, gender or background.”

More information on the Design For Everyone: A Guide To Sport And Recreation Settings can be found on the Sport and Recreation Victoria website at sport.vic.gov.au/publications-and-resources/design-everyone-guide

Images: Peddle Thorp's design for the Melbourne Tennis Centre (top) and universal designs for sport pavilions and skate parks from the Design For Everyone: A Guide To Sport And Recreation Settings (middle and below).

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