Access Reports are often required by Local Sydney Councils along with various other supporting documents when a Development Application (DA) is submitted in keeping with the requirements of the Councils Development Control Plan (DCP).
For instance Gosford Council have a total of 38 different Supporting Documents one of which is a Disabled Access Report (preferred term Access Report) which may be called upon depending on the specific Development type when a DA submission is lodged

The types of Development requiring a disability access report as a supporting document when lodging a DA  Submission with Gosford Council are as follows

New Commercial / Retail Buildings
Bed and Breakfast Accommodation
Community / Child Care / Education Est
Medical Centre
Brothels
Seniors Housing
Recreation / Tourist Uses
Wharves and Jetties
Establishment of use - existing premises - no construction
New Industrial / Warehouse buildings

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Development Control Plans

Development Control Plans differ across Sydney Councils with many undergoing amendments and updates in regards to their Access requirements. The Access section of DCP’S across Sydney generally have the same objectives, for instance the City of Sydney DCP 2012 aims to provide non-discrimatory, equitable and dignified access for all people who use the City of Sydney regardless of disability. It also aims to ensure that new dwellings cater for the needs of elderly people and people who have disability. 

New Multi-Unit Developments

For New Multi-Unit Development in Sydney the proportion of dwellings that are required to be Adaptable will vary from local Council to Council. The ratio requirement for The City of Sydney Council for developments such as Green Square, Harold Park, Central Square and other Inner City Developments is 15 %.

Construction Certificate

 After a DA application has been approved. Council will require a more detailed Access report at Construction Certificate stage before Building approval is granted

Adaptable Housing

Part of the Access requirements of the DCP will be that a proportion of a New Residential development be “Adaptable Housing “ 
Adaptable Housing allows a dwelling to be easily upgraded to suit the needs of a resident during the various stages of their life, allowing them to age in place with the same familiar facilities and support networks. 
Implementing  Adaptable housing policy into Local Development Plans not only benefits the resident, but also the visitor. Ageing friends and family with less mobility or with a Disability will benefit from the greater accessibility of an Adaptable home especially in Post Adaptation design stage for little or no additional cost, if a check list report that meets the criteria of an Adaptable house Class ‘C’ under AS 4299:1995 is implemented at the early design stage when lodging a DA Submission and then a Construction Certificate Submission 

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See Some Examples

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