Better Accessibility In Canberra, Australia
The Issue
Canberra, officially established in 1913, is one of Australia’s youngest capital cities. Unlike Sydney (1788), Hobart (1804), Brisbane (1824), Perth (1829), Melbourne (1835), and Adelaide (1836), Canberra was designed and built in the 20th century — an era when modern planning principles could and should have anticipated inclusive access for all.
Despite this, many areas of Canberra remain difficult to navigate for people with disability, mobility challenges, and other accessibility needs. Broken or uneven footpaths, limited curb ramps and width, inadequate public transport access & parking spots for any needing extra space, insufficient tactile paving, poorly maintained crossings, and inaccessible public buildings continue to create daily barriers for residents and visitors alike.
Accessibility is not a niche issue. It benefits:
People living with disability
Elderly residents
Parents and carers with prams
People recovering from injury or surgery
Individuals with temporary mobility limitations
Workers using delivery carts or mobility aids
An accessible city is safer, more inclusive, and more economically productive. It supports independence, community participation, and equal opportunity. For a planned capital city built in the 20th century — and continuing to grow in the 21st — Canberra should be leading the nation in universal design, not lagging behind.
We call on the ACT Government to:
Conduct a comprehensive accessibility audit of footpaths, crossings, public transport, and government buildings.
Prioritise funding for upgrading non-compliant and unsafe infrastructure.
Ensure all new developments meet best-practice universal design standards.
Improve consultation with people with disability and community stakeholders in planning decisions.
Establish transparent timelines and public reporting on accessibility improvements.
Canberra has the opportunity to set the national benchmark for inclusive design. As Australia’s capital, it should reflect the values of equity, dignity, and participation for all.
We urge the ACT Government to act now to make Canberra truly accessible for everyone.
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The Issue
Canberra, officially established in 1913, is one of Australia’s youngest capital cities. Unlike Sydney (1788), Hobart (1804), Brisbane (1824), Perth (1829), Melbourne (1835), and Adelaide (1836), Canberra was designed and built in the 20th century — an era when modern planning principles could and should have anticipated inclusive access for all.
Despite this, many areas of Canberra remain difficult to navigate for people with disability, mobility challenges, and other accessibility needs. Broken or uneven footpaths, limited curb ramps and width, inadequate public transport access & parking spots for any needing extra space, insufficient tactile paving, poorly maintained crossings, and inaccessible public buildings continue to create daily barriers for residents and visitors alike.
Accessibility is not a niche issue. It benefits:
People living with disability
Elderly residents
Parents and carers with prams
People recovering from injury or surgery
Individuals with temporary mobility limitations
Workers using delivery carts or mobility aids
An accessible city is safer, more inclusive, and more economically productive. It supports independence, community participation, and equal opportunity. For a planned capital city built in the 20th century — and continuing to grow in the 21st — Canberra should be leading the nation in universal design, not lagging behind.
We call on the ACT Government to:
Conduct a comprehensive accessibility audit of footpaths, crossings, public transport, and government buildings.
Prioritise funding for upgrading non-compliant and unsafe infrastructure.
Ensure all new developments meet best-practice universal design standards.
Improve consultation with people with disability and community stakeholders in planning decisions.
Establish transparent timelines and public reporting on accessibility improvements.
Canberra has the opportunity to set the national benchmark for inclusive design. As Australia’s capital, it should reflect the values of equity, dignity, and participation for all.
We urge the ACT Government to act now to make Canberra truly accessible for everyone.
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Petition created on 13 February 2026