NCC implementation will make new homes more accessible for all South Australians

South Australia’s disability and ageing communities have applauded the State Government’s decision to implement the new National Construction Code 2022 (NCC 2022) Livable Housing Design Standard for all new residential builds by October 2024.

 

The minimum accessibility standard addressed basic access needs that will make residential properties easier to enter and navigate in and around, as well as ensuring further adaptations can be made later to suit the resident.

 

People living with disability, our ageing population, people living with temporary mobility restrictions and young families will benefit immensely from these changes.

 

Many people in our community are currently living in accommodation where they are unable to access or use parts of the property, for example the toilet or shower, or even be able to get in and out of their own front door without a high level of assistance or costly modifications. For others, they have found themselves isolated in their homes, unable to visit friends or family, or participate in ordinary life – including pursuing education and employment opportunities and contributing to the economy.

 

While we are all feeling the rising costs of living and increasing rental and housing affordability pressures, those who must find accessible, safe, and affordable places to live, face significantly higher financial hardship and stress.

 

Changes to the minimum energy efficiency standards are also being brought in as part of the NCC 2022. These requirements include an increase from a 6 to 7-star Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS rating) to improve thermal efficiency and an energy use performance requirement, which will see occupants save money on their bills, enjoy a comfortable home, and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Together, these modern design elements will make a house fit for all stages of life, easy to live in, and more comfortable and adaptable for changing circumstances, while reducing environmental impacts.

 

These new residential builds will help to future proof our housing stock and significantly reduce the financial impact of substantially higher costs for future generations.

 

Quotes attributed to Trish Spargo, Chair, JFA Purple Orange:

 

“There are many South Australians, including people living with disability and older people, who are living in houses that are unsuitable for their access needs, who cannot move freely around their own homes, or who are unable to find appropriate accommodation at all. This severely impacts their quality of life, mental health, employment opportunities, and productivity.

 

“We welcome the announcement that the new NCC Livable Housing Design Standard, which will mandate minimum accessibility standards for new residential construction projects, will be implemented by October 2024. This will not only be transformational for people living with disability and older people but will future proof our housing stock allowing us all to move through the various stages of our lives with ease.”

 

Quotes attributed to Robbi Williams, CEO, JFA Purple Orange:

 

“For many months now, we have been working with other disability, housing, and ageing organisations, as well as consulting with the housing industry, and we are confident that these modest changes can be successfully implemented here in South Australia, alongside other jurisdictions.

 

“We are conscious there is still a lot of work to do leading up to October 2024, but all stakeholders now have certainty about the timing of implementation.

 

“We accept that there will need to be some necessary and sensible exemptions, such as in the case of steep blocks, but are looking forward to continuing to work constructively with the South Australian Government, housing industry, disability community, and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition in South Australia.

 

“A proper home is integral to improving the life chances of people living with disability and is central to them claiming their rightful place as valued and active members of our communities. It is encouraging this is being recognised in South Australia.”

 

Quotes attributed to Ross Womersley, CEO, SACOSS:

 

“These changes have been a decade in the making and, after extensive consultation last year, building ministers across Australia signalled that these standards would be implemented nationally.

 

“The eastern states have been leading this charge with Queensland and Victoria implementing the standards from October 2023, meaning a lot of the building industry’s concerns and potential challenges are already hashed out and solutions negotiated.

 

“Furthermore, with a substantial part of the national housing market moving towards the implementation of the new NCC, the manufacturing standards will naturally adapt to these new requirements – making the affordability and availability of new standard materials only a short-term implication.

 

“The long-term consequences and economic costs of not adopting these standards now would be far greater.”

 

Quotes attributed to Tim Naughtin, Director, Building Better Homes Campaign:

 

“The reality is that most of us know someone who will benefit greatly from these changes, whether it is a parent, grandparent, friend, or other family member. At some stage in our lives, we will all age, and know of someone who is injured, living with a disability or starting a family. This is a win for all South Australians.”