WA’s City of Busselton Council has secured $150,000 in State Government funding for the construction of a certified ‘Changing Places’ accessible change facility for the Busselton foreshore.
Supported by the Department of Communities Office of Disability, Council says the grant represents a significant investment under WA’s expanding network of Changing Places.
The Changing Places facility has been advocated for by Council’s Disability Access and Inclusion Reference Group (DAIRG) and will include an accessible toilet, privacy screen, adult-sized change table and roof-mounted hoist.
“The City recognises that the more diverse and inclusive our community is, the richer it will become, and that most members of the community will face access and inclusion challenges at some time in their lives,” said Council Chief Executive Officer, Tony Nottle.
“To ensure that all City of Busselton residents can participate in and contribute to the community, the City of Busselton Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2023-2027 is currently being reviewed and further developed to help us achieve this.”
Mr Nottle said that, once completed, the new facility will provide locals and visitors with disability or high support needs, access to a public change facility and a greater opportunity for involvement in all aspects of community life.
Following its construction, the facility will be independently certified to meet the Changing Places standards for accessible adult change facilities and will be placed on the National Public Toilet Map and the Changing Places location register, he said.
WA Disability Services Minister, Don Punch said the Government was proud to support locals and visitors with disability in Busselton.
“This facility significantly improves amenities for people with disability to ensure they can enjoy visiting the Busselton Jetty foreshore,” the Minister said.
“Congratulations to the City of Busselton for demonstrating its commitment to people with disability by facilitating this important facility.
“Changing Places gives people with disability the confidence to travel and enjoy time away from home with family and friends without worrying about access to appropriate facilities.”
There are 46 registered Changing Places across WA, with 34 in metropolitan Perth and 12 in regional centres.
The Busselton facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2025.