New Elmore public toilets and a changing place
The City has built a new $520,000 accessible public toilet facility and Changing Place at Railway Place in Elmore.
We're committed to providing accessible public toilet facilities in line with our Public Toilet Strategy and to improving disability access across the Greater Bendigo community.
The Elmore public toilet facility features five non-gendered cubicles, two accessible non-gendered cubicles and a Changing Place to provide suitable facilities for people who cannot use standard accessible cubicles.
Construction of the new facilities started in May 2024. However, during early construction works, a previously undetected water main was located under the former toilet block.
Coliban Water do not authorise buildings to be constructed over their water mains and this resulted in a change to the location of the new building by several metres.
The change to the location required the City to undertake further consultation with various authorities and obtain permit amendments which resulted in a delay to the project.
Temporary fencing at the construction site was reconfigured to reduce the impact on nearby parking.
Changing Places Facilities
Changing Places facilities provide a secure public toilet featuring a fully accessible toilet with space on either side for carers, moveable ceiling hoist, height adjustable adult size change table, privacy curtain, additional seating and a safe and clean environment for people with severe and profound disabilities.
Changing Places allow people with disabilities to participate more fully in activities and events, access shops, services and education facilities without having to worry if there are suitable toilet facilities available.
Access to Changing Places is available 24 hours, seven days a week to holders of a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK). The MLAK system is fitted to elevators at railway stations, Changing Place amenities in Council areas and National Parks across Australia and on items of play equipment. People with disability can purchase a MLAK master key which will open all public facilities fitted with this specially designed lock.
Funding
The Elmore public toilets and Changing Place were funded by the City of Greater Bendigo along with a $110,000 grant from the Victorian Government.