Victoria's Accessible Parking Permit (APP) Scheme is an online system administered by VicRoads. Residents and organisations who need a new permit, or to renew or replace a permit, will need to apply online below.
Apply for an accessible parking permit
How do I apply for or renew a personal accessibility parking permit?
- Start your application online at accessibleparking.vic.gov.au
- You’ll receive an application reference number via SMS*
- Take your reference number to your GP or occupational therapist
- Your GP or occupational therapist will complete an online assessment and submit your application.
- Your application will be assessed by VicRoads to determine if you qualify for a permit.
- If your application is successful, City of Ballarat will finalise your application and you’ll receive your permit in the mail.
* If you need help with the online form, please contact our Customer Service team on 5320 5500 and they can help you out with different options.
How do I apply for or renew an organisation accessibility parking permit?
- Start your application online at accessibleparking.vic.gov.au
- You’ll receive an application reference number via SMS and email
- Your application will be assessed by VicRoads to determine if you qualify for a permit.
- If your application is successful, City of Ballarat will finalise your application and you’ll pick up your permit at the council.
How do I replace my permit?
- Start your replacement application online at accessibleparking.vic.gov.au
- You’ll receive a replacement application reference number via SMS and email
- Your application will be assessed by VicRoads to determine if you qualify for a permit.
- If your application is successful, City of Ballarat will finalise your application and you’ll pick up your permit at the council.
About the accessible parking permit scheme
In 2021, all Victorian councils will move to the new online system, which will provide community members with an easier, streamlined online application process, that is consistent across the state. The new permit also will better align with the COAG 2010 Australian Disability Parking Permit Scheme (ADPS).
Improvements to the Scheme include:
- Introduction of temporary permits for 6, 12 or 24 months,
- Increased permit length, from 3 to 5 years for individuals,
- Introduction of a permanent disability classification, so reassessments are not required for some people’s future permit renewals,
- A new single and secure state-wide permit design that will reduce the misuse of permits,
- The inclusion of occupational therapists (OTs) as assessors, in addition to GPs, and
- Double Time (green permits) and permits for organisations will continue under the new scheme.
Need some help?
Check out our FAQ section below to see if we have an answer to your question.
If you still need help with your application, or have questions on the new APP Scheme, contact our Customer Service team on 5320 5500.
FAQs
The application process
How do I apply for a disability permit?
- Start your application online at accessibleparking.vic.gov.au
- You’ll receive an application reference number via SMS
- Take your reference number to your GP or occupational therapist
- Your GP or occupational therapist will complete an online assessment and submit your application.
- Your application will be assessed by VicRoads to determine if you qualify for a permit.
- If your application is successful, City of Ballarat will finalise your application and you’ll receive your permit in the mail.
If your application is unsuccessful you'll receive a letter explaining why your application was declined.
Can I use a paper form instead?
If you need help with the online form, please contact our Customer Service team on 5320 5500 and they can help you out with different options.
Can I pick up my permit from City of Ballarat?
Yes. When completing your application, you can choose to pick up your permit from our Customer Service centre at The Phoenix, 25 Armstrong Street South.
How long does it take to get a permit?
Once your application is approved, your permit with arrive in the mail in around seven to 10 days.
These times may vary depending on Australia Post demand.
What if I don't have internet access or physically can't complete the online application?
Your carer, a family member, friend, GP, or our Customer Service team can help if you need assistance or have no internet access.
Can I or my GP use old application forms to apply for a permit?
No. As part of the disability parking scheme update, clearer assessment questions were created with the help of medical professionals, to allo GPs and occupational therapists to assess mobility issues against the criteria. Some questions on old forms are no longer valid and do not fit the new schemes questions.
Dispute resolution
I didn't get a permit because I didn't meet the eligibility criteria
If you believe your GP or occupational therapist has incorrectly assessed your mobility issue or medical condition, you may seek a second opinion from a different GP or occupational therapist. This is done by starting a new application, with the functional assessment undertaken by a different medical practitioner.
I received a Double Time Permit when I wanted an Australian Disability Parking Permit
Permit type is determined by criteria assessment and not someone’s personal preference or request. An applicant’s mobility issue is the sole determent of permit type. It is important to remember that there is a hierarchy of needs within disability parking. People who require extra space to get out of a vehicle or whose medical condition restricts walking to less than 100m are given priority.
If you believe your GP or occupational therapist has incorrectly assessed your mobility issue or medical condition you may seek a second opinion from a different GP or occupational therapist. This is done by starting a new application with the functional assessment undertaken by a different medical practitioner.
How do I dispute my disability parking permit outcome?
If you wish to dispute the eligibility criteria of the scheme or scheme operation you can request an explanation of the basis of the eligibility of the criteria and scheme operation from VicRoads. You can contact VicRoads at acesssibleparking@roads.vic.gov.au, or phone 1300 965 677.
Scheme changes
Why was the scheme changed?
The Disability Parking Permit (DPP) Scheme in Victoria was last updated in 1995 and does not align with the national Australian Disability Parking Scheme.
The scheme was previously administered individually by each of the 79 councils in Victoria. Each council interpreted the scheme differently and had individual administration processes. That led to confusion within the community as well as the potential for inequitable outcomes for applicants and opportunity for the misuse of permits.
The updated scheme continues to be administered by the 79 Victorian councils, but the process for applying for and renewing permits has been streamlined.
The new APP Online Service provides community members with an easier application process and misuse of permits will be reduced, freeing up disability parking bays for the people who really need them.
What are the main differences with the new Scheme?
The Accessible Parking Permit (APP) project aims to streamline the permit application and renewal processes, clarify eligibility requirements, and introduce systems and tools to improve management of permits across Victoria.
Changes being made include:
- Permit holders who have been medically assessed as having an agreed permanent disability will no longer have to return to their medical practitioner for reassessment as part of the permit renewal process
- The permit duration will be increased from three years to five years for individuals (with non-temporary permits)
- The permit application and renewal processes will be streamlined with applications to be submitted through a new state-wide digitised system
- Permits will adhere to a standard, highly secure permit design rather than 79 variations which currently exist
- The name of the scheme will be changed from ‘Disabled Persons Parking Scheme’ to ‘Accessible Parking Permit Scheme’
The following features will be retained:
- Green Permits/Category 2 Permits will continue to allow a permit holder to park for twice the permissible time in an ordinary parking bay
- Those with significant intellectual disabilities are eligible for a permit.
Has the eligibility criteria changed?
The overall eligibility criteria has not changed. However, the wording and the process that a medical practitioner assesses a patient’s mobility or medical condition has changed.
Do I need to apply for a new permit?
You will need to apply for a new permit when your permit expires.
Can I keep using my existing permit?
Existing permits can be used until their expiry date.
Transitioning to the new scheme
I was previously told I don't need to see a GP - why do I need to see one now?
Permit applications were managed by 79 councils and this led to a range of variations in application processes and outcomes, including variations in process for people with permanent disabilities.
The APP Scheme has updated the questions GPs and Occupation Therapists will use to asses eligibility against the scheme. Every applicant for a permit will need to be assessed at least once by a GP or OT using the new application process and criteria questions.
GPs and OTs will have the ability in this new assessment process to categorise someone as having a permanent disability. This will mean they will no longer require a functional assessment to renew their permit.
I was previously eligible for a permit, but was not after applying for a renewal. Why?
As part of disability parking scheme update, clearer assessment questions were developed in consultation with medical practitioners to allow GPs and Occupation Therapists to assess mobility issues against the criteria. This related to both space requirements to exit and enter vehicles and the impacts of walking distances may have on an applicant’s health. Previously questions were open to a broad interpretation. They are now more aligned with assessing against the scheme criteria.
I used to have a blue permit, now it's green. Why is this?
The allocation of Reserved Bay (blue) and Double Time (green) permits is determined by outcomes of a mobility assessment.
As part of the disability parking scheme update, clearer assessment questions were developed in consultation with medical practitioners to allow GPs and occupation therapists to assess mobility issues against the criteria. This related to both space requirements to exit and enter vehicles and the impacts of walking distances may have on an applicant’s health.
Based on this, the outcome of your application may result in you receiving a green Double Time permit, rather than an Australian Disability Parking Permit (formerly known as the ‘blue permit’).
I am the parent of a disabled child, why can't my partner and I have a permit for each car?
The conditions of use for an accessible parking permit only allow for an individual to hold one permit. Permits are assigned to individuals, not vehicles. This was also a condition of the old scheme.
It is recognised that this will create inconvenience and difficulties for some people who share responsibility for caring for someone with mobility issues.
However, this needed to be weighed against the potential for permit misuse that can occur if an individual can be issued with multiple permits.
Why can't I get a permit on the spot anymore?
Permit administration, printing and distribution is now managed through one central process, which does not require a visit to your local council to process a form. Once your medical practitioner has undertaken your functional assessment it should take 10 to 15 days for your application results to arrive in the mail.
Why does my GP or OT not know the results of my application?
Your GP or occupation therapist will answer a range of questions that assess eligibility for a permit against the criteria. The answers to these questions determine your eligibility.
Prior to the assessment outcome being known, your local council will check your application against any know duplicate permits or previous cancelled permits. It is only after this assessment step is the outcome of your application determined and you are advised by mail.
Why can't my GP or OT decide if I get a green or blue permit?
Permit type has always been determined by functional assessment against set criteria questions and not personal preference or request. GPs and OTs are required to answer criteria eligibility questions, the responses to which determine permit eligibility and permit type.
Page topics
Events across the region are always looking for additional support. Find out more about how you can get involved.
Get involved
We provide a range of opportunities for businesses and individuals to be involved in events, from food vans and stalls at Begonia Festival to activation in the streets. When a major event is in town, consider:
- Aligning with advertising opportunities to promote what you have on offer
- Adjusting your opening hours to maximise business
- Offering promotional products/services that align with the event audience
- Working with neighbouring or like-minded business to develop packages that would be attractive to the event audience or visitors alike
- Getting involved with social media activity
Volunteering
Looking for a way to give back to the Ballarat community? Our events organisers are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make their day shine just that little bit brighter.
Give our team a call to find out more about current volunteering opportunities.
Sponsorship
Our hard-working event organisers around the region are always looking for financial and in-kind assistance to help make their events great.
If this is something you think you can help with, give us a call and we can put you in touch with potential opportunities.
Page topics
Anne Tudor paved the way for the creation of Australia’s first dementia-friendly forest and sensory
trail in Ballarat. The dementia advocate was awarded the Mayor’s Award in the City of Ballarat’s
Senior of the Year Awards in 2017 before being awarded the Premier’s Award for the Victorian
Senior of the Year in 2021.
Sometimes inspiration can strike in the most unusual circumstances.
One morning, just before Christmas in 2019, Anne and her wife Edie Mayhew took a walk through the Woowookarung Regional Park.
At one point Edie, who had been diagnosed with younger onset dementia a decade prior, looked up and said, “the trees want to know how we are”.
Anne, who was often taken aback by her wife’s guilelessness and wisdom, began to think about the space differently.
“My perspective and experience of forests changed. Now I can’t go to forests without thinking about the trees and what they are thinking.”
Fast-forward three years and Woowookarung Regional Park is now home to Australia’s first dementia-friendly forest and sensory trail.
Built by Parks Victoria, the trail is an example of synchronicity – Anne and Edie lit the spark, a grant from Dementia Australia created momentum, and Parks Victoria and Friends of Canadian Corridor provided the support and encouragement.
Government, community groups and individuals also embraced the project.
Spanning 1.8kms, the trail is designed to evoke positive memories, feelings and sensations through plants, sculptures, sensory aspects and quiet places for reflection.
To pay homage to Edie, there is a life-sized rustic steel bush window inscribed with her words – the trees want to know how you are.
“Right from the beginning we wanted the dementia trail to be inclusive of all people. That’s why the path is extra wide so it can be used by wheelchairs, carers and family dogs on lead.”
The trail opened on 25 June 2021, one year after Edie died.
It has since become a beloved community asset with many groups, schools and local creatives enhancing the space through plantings, maintenance, artworks and technology.
“The testament to how much it’s loved is that it gets about 400 visitors a week,” Anne says.
“I have had so many people tell me how it has helped individuals and families get through the pandemic, children with special needs feel safe, and people from aged-care homes love visiting. It’s a magical space that embraces and welcomes everybody.”
After receiving Edie’s diagnosis, Anne says they were motivated to help others.
One of their most significant achievements was when they launched Bigger Hearts Dementia Alliance Ballarat in 2016 – a grassroots campaign which inspires Ballarat to become a dementia-friendly city.
City of Ballarat Ageing Well Executive Manager Ann Pitt says Ballarat is fortunate to have such a passionate and committed advocate as Anne.
“Along with the Bigger Hearts Dementia Alliance volunteers, Anne works tirelessly to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia,” Ann says.
“We appreciate her ongoing commitment.”
Anne says her proudest moments are when she hears how her and Edie’s story has affected others.
“There are many people in our community who feel lost when they are told their loved one has dementia.
“I want to tell them that life doesn’t end with a dementia diagnosis. People with dementia are still very much present and still have so much to give and enjoy.”
Anne is a big advocate for positive ageing and leads her life by example.
On the day we speak, she is on a road trip through South Australia where she is driving a recreational vehicle (something she admits she has never done before), with her dog Melvin.
“Even though this trip is something Edie and I would have done together, I am grateful to be alive and well and be able to enjoy this new experience.”
Senior of the Year
The City of Ballarat Senior of the Year Awards celebrate the people of Ballarat whose volunteer involvement supports and inspires others.
This year's winners will be announced in the first week of October as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival.
From 1 February 2023, the Victorian Government is banning the sale and supply of single-use plastic in Victorian businesses.
The City of Ballarat has been working with our local businesses to support them with resources and information to prepare for the ban.
From February 1, banned plastics will include:
-
Drinking straws.
-
Cutlery and drink stirrers.
-
Plates.
-
Expanded polystyrene food service items and drink containers.
People who need single-use plastic drinking straws due to a disability or for a medical need can still purchase and use these items.
Find out more about the ban on the Sustainability Victoria website.
For Businesses
The City of Ballarat Economic Development team are available to assist Ballarat businesses with this transition and can be contacted on 03 5320 550 or economicdevelopment@ballarat.vic.gov.au for enquiries or further assistance.
Find out how the ban impacts your business using the information below:
-
Accepting and encouraging the use of consumers’ reusable items
-
Attend a free workshop from the National Retail Association about the ban
-
Download factsheets and posters for your business:
For Consumers
Many single-use plastic items are difficult and expensive to recycle. The ban will reduce plastic pollution across our state and preserve the health of the environment.
As of February, you will not be able to access these plastics in hospitality venues. The City of Ballarat encourages you to take your time, and eat or drink in the venue, or invest in a re-usable cup or cutlery set that will benefit the environment and you for years to come.
There are limited exemptions that provide the use of items in specific circumstances. This includes the use of single-use plastic drinking straws for individuals who require them due to a disability or for a medical need.