Planning for Inclusion: Including People with Intellectual Disability in the Redevelopment of Peat Island

The causeway to Peat Island

Overview 

Led by Dr Linda Steele, in collaboration with Dr Phillippa Carnemolla (UTS Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building, and Council for Intellectual Disability), this project aims to prevent the rezoning of Peat Island—a former state-operated disability institution—into a tourism site. The research underscores the site’s social and historical importance to the disability community, advocates for its designation as a site of conscience, and emphasises the inclusion of people with disability in its future development. The findings offer broader implications for planning and heritage law, particularly regarding former disability institutions. 

How we support positive change 

The research provides a foundation for recognising and preserving disability history at former institution sites and highlights the need for inclusive, disability-informed practices among government and heritage professionals. It calls for meaningful involvement of those affected by disability social history in the stewardship of these places. 

Find out more 

Visit: Peat Island Campaign

 

Banner image attributed to Grant Turner, CC BY 4.0.

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.