If you have a significant disability or injury, you may be eligible for an Accessible Parking Permit. There are different types of permits which allow you to park in accessible parking bays and/or park in regular bays for double the usual time.
The Victorian Government has updated the accessible parking permit scheme to ensure a fair and equitable system. The new APP Scheme will streamline the application process, making it easier, simpler and consistent across the state. The new permit also will better align with the COAG 2010 Australian Disability Parking Permit Scheme (ADPS).
Golden Plains Shire Council now process Accessible Parking Permit (APP) applications and renewals online through the Accessible parking Portal.
Improvements to the Scheme include:
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Introduction of temporary permits for 6, 12 or 24 months,
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Increased permit length, from 3 years to 5 years for individuals,
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Introduction of a permanent disability classification, so reassessments are not required for some people’s future permit renewals
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A new single and secure state-wide permit design that will reduce the misuse of permits.
Applying for an Accessible Parking Permit
To apply for a new permit, renew your existing, or replace your lost/ damaged parking permit, log onto www.accessibleparking.vic.gov.au and complete your application.
To apply or renew online, you will need to provide a mobile phone number. If you don’t have one or don’t have a friend, carer or family member who can assist, please contact your local council. We will text your application reference to your mobile and you will take it to your chosen general practitioner (GP) or occupational therapist for your functional assessment.
Some key points to remember
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Permits are only issued to those with a mobility impairment.
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You can only have one permit
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You can choose to have your application outcome mailed to your residential address or picked up from your local council – they cannot be sent to a PO Box.
If you apply for a new, or renew an existing permit, you will need to undertake a functional assessment by a GP or occupational therapist. This determines the type of permit you need and how long you need it for.
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If you are seeking a permit on the grounds of a cognitive or neurological disability you must see your GP. Occupational therapists cannot complete this for you.
Quick Links
How to Apply for a Permit - Individual
How to Apply for a Permit - Organisation
How to get a replacement Permit
How to Apply
- 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
- Council will review the application
- If your application is successful, you’ll receive your permit in the mail.
A paper-based version of the application is available if you don’t have access to a mobile phone or the internet. Please contact Council's Customer Experience Team on 5220 7111 if you require a paper form.
- Start your application online at accessibleparking.vic.gov.au
- You’ll receive an application reference number via SMS and email
- Council will review the application
- If your application is successful, you’ll pick up your permit at the council.
- Start your replacement application online at accessibleparking.vic.gov.au
- You’ll receive a replacement application reference number via SMS and email
- Council will review the application
- If your application is successful, you’ll pick up the permit from your council.
Assistance
Help is here! Find more information to common questions, application process and dispute resolution below in the FAQ section.
If you need assistance with your application, or have questions on the new APP Scheme, contact Council's Customer Experience Team on 5220 7111.
FAQs
The Application Process
How do I apply for a disability permit?
Parking permit applications are now managed via an online process on the Accessible Parking Permit website at accessibleparking.vic.gov.au
- 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
- Council will review the application
- If your application is successful, 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 pick up the permit from Council?
Yes. When completing your application, you can choose to pick up your permit from Council's Customer Hubs at 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn or 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale.
How long does it take to get a permit?
Once your application is approved, your permit will arrive in the mail in approximately 7 to 10 business 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, family, a friend, GP or a Council Customer Experience Officer can help you if you require assistance or have no internet access.
Can I use a paper form instead?
A paper-based version of the application is available for people with no access to mobile phones or the internet. However, the online process provides a faster outcome. A paper application is available from Council's Customer Hubs at 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn or 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale.
Can I or my GP use an old application form to apply for a permit?
No. As part of disability parking scheme update, clearer assessment questions were developed in consultation with medical practitioners, to allow GPs and occupational therapists to assess mobility issues against the criteria. Some questions on old forms are no longer valid and do not align with the new scheme’s requirements.
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.
Why did 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 [email protected], or phone 1300 965 677.
Changes to the Accessible Parking Permit 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 a 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 outcome to arrive in the mail.
Why does my GP or OT not know the outcome of my assessment?
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 Occupation Therapists are required to answer criteria eligibility questions, the responses to which determine permit eligibility and permit type.