Ararat Rural City Council is reminding residents that Victoria’s accessible-parking permit system has changed, with older-style permits no longer valid under a statewide scheme introduced in 2021.

Chief executive Tim Harrison said the council’s community safety team, which helps ensure parking spaces are used fairly and for the correct designated time in Ararat, would take an education-first approach to parking enforcement.

“Officers have been issuing friendly warnings first to drivers displaying outdated permits, rather than defaulting to fines, to help raise awareness of the requirements,” he said.

“But after five years, we really need to get long-time permit holders to change over to the new system, which has more benefits to them.”

The scheme features a single, standardised permit across Victoria with QR code verification, making it easier to confirm permits are valid.

It also aims to reduce misuse and centralise applications and records, helping ensure accessible parking is available for people who genuinely need it.

Dr Harrison said people who needed help with the online application process for an accessible-parking permit could ask a family member, friend or carer to help.

“Although council no longer issues permits directly like they used to, our digital-literacy support officer at the Ararat Library can certainly help people fill out the online form, especially older residents and people without internet access,” he said.

Dr Harrison asked people with old permits to hand them in to the council’s customer service to be officially cancelled.

To apply for a new permit, people can visit www.accessibleparking.vic.gov.au to start the process, which is completed in liaison with a GP.

People can visit Ararat Library or call 5355 0232 to make an appointment to see the council’s digital-literacy support officer.

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