Councils are reminded the Federal Government is investing $32.2 million from 2022 to 2026 to offer up to half of the funding to build Changing Places facilities in local government areas.
Tranches 1 and 2 of Changing Places have now closed, with the Commonwealth partnering with the ACT, New South Wales, the Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia for 38 Changing Places facilities. Work on tranche 3 is currently underway and will run during the 2024-25 financial year.
Changing Places are accessible toilets with extra features and more space to meet the needs of people with disability and their carers. These facilities include:
- a height-adjustable adult-sized change table
- a constant-charging ceiling track hoist system
- a centrally-located peninsula toilet
- more circulation space than standard accessible toilets
- an automatic door with a minimum opening of 950mm
- a privacy screen.
Without Changing Places facilities, the risk of social isolation can be increased as people with disabilities and their carers choose to leave public areas early, have loved one sit in soiled clothing or change them on the floor of a public toilet.
The funding can also supplement other sources of federal funding. Local governments are also encouraged to consider including a Changing Places facility in their community infrastructure plans.
Further information is available here: Changing Places | Department of Social Services.