ArticleOpen Access http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ea.2025.10.001
From Standards to Practice: Evaluating Accessibility Infrastructure in Sydney Suburb
Zhiyang Huang
School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2033, New South Wales, Australia.
*Corresponding author: Zhiyang Huang
Published: October 22,2025
Abstract
This study evaluates the accessibility performance of the Maroubra Senior Citizens Centre, a key public facility serving elderly and local residents in the Randwick Local Government Area. A field inspection was conducted focusing on three critical infrastructure elements: a pedestrian ramp, a stairway, and tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs). The assessment was undertaken in accordance with Australian Standard AS 1428.1:2021—Design for access and mobility, AS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009, the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010, the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, and the National Construction Code. Findings reveal that while most infrastructure elements complied with the minimum regulatory thresholds, several deficiencies were identified, including inadequate TGSI depth, insufficient setback from the main travel path, and lack of routine cleaning at key locations such as ramps and stairs. These shortcomings pose potential safety risks for elderly users and people with vision impairments. Recommendations are provided to improve compliance and enhance the overall inclusivity, safety, and equity of the Centre’s built environment.
Keywords
Accessibility; Universal Design; Pedestrian Ramp; Stairway; Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs); AS 1428.1:2021; Disability Standards; Inclusive Infrastructure; Elderly Users; Urban Equity
References
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How to cite this paper
From Standards to Practice: Evaluating Accessibility Infrastructure in Sydney Suburb
How to cite this paper: Zhiyang Huang. (2025). From Standards to Practice: Evaluating Accessibility Infrastructure in Sydney Suburb. Engineering Advances, 5(4), 140-143.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ea.2025.10.001