Changing Places
About Changing Places
The Australian Government is investing $32.2 million from 2022 to 2026 to offer up to half of the funding required to build Changing Places facilities in Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Australia. This was announced in the 2022-23 October Budget.
Changing Places provide suitable facilities for people who are not accommodated by standard accessible toilets.
Changing Places facilities are larger than standard accessible toilets. They have extra features and more space to meet the needs of people with disability and their carers. These facilities allow individuals with high support needs to take part in all elements of community life, without having to limit their time out.
Changing Places 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 clear opening of 950mm at minimum
- a privacy screen.
The Australian Government is also offering funding towards portable Changing Places. Portable Changing Places can be moved for sporting, community and other events. This means people with disability and their carers have access to Changing Places where it may not be possible or suitable to build a permanent facility.
Implementation timeline
The Government’s funding commitment is being implemented in 4 Tranches or rounds:
- 2022-2023
- 2023-2024
- 2024-2025
- 2025-2026.
In Tranche 1 of Changing Places, the Commonwealth partnered with the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and South Australia for 7 Changing Places facilities. In Tranche 2, the Commonwealth partnered with New South Wales, the Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia for 31 Changing Places facilities.
Work on Tranche 3 is currently underway and will run for the 2024-25 financial year. Bilateral discussions with states and territories are in progress. There is a focus on both ‘build-ready’ and tailored build opportunities for funding agreements and integrating Changing Places facilities with upcoming infrastructure projects.
Funding
The Commonwealth will provide:
- 50% of the funding towards build costs for Changing Places facilities in LGAs without an existing facility, or
- 40% of the funding towards build costs for all subsequent facilities in any LGA with at least one Changing Places facility.
It is recognised that build cost may vary amongst jurisdictions, and between regional or metropolitan locations. Given this, funding allocation will be based on quoted build cost for each facility, as supported by at least one quote.
We are delivering funding through Federation Funding Agreements (FFAs) coordinated between the Commonwealth and states and territories directly.
Visit the Federal Financial Relations website for more information on Federation Funding Agreements(Opens in a new tab/window).
Sourcing remaining funding and co-funding opportunities
Funding partners are encouraged to identify collaborative funding contributions from states and territories, Local Government Areas (LGAs), local councils and appropriate third-party contributors. Third-party contributors may include tourism locations, shopping precincts, or existing builds.
Jurisdictions are able to combine funding with other Commonwealth grants for the remaining funding cost. To remain eligible for funding under Commonwealth FFAs, jurisdictions must maintain overarching responsibility for project delivery and reporting.
Interested parties are encouraged to discuss specific build and funding proposals with the relevant state or territory government, to determine the most appropriate pathway forward. States and territories seeking to partner or discuss the funding offer can email ChangingPlaces@dss.gov.au.
Eligibility and funding requirements
As of 1 February 2024, all LGAs are eligible for funding, regardless of existing Changing Places facilities.
Building must begin within 12 months of receiving Commonwealth funding. The facilities must be complete within 18 months of build commencement. Funded jurisdictions must also comply with reporting requirements as part of the funding agreement.
All Changing Places facilities must be accredited by a Changing Places Assessor. Accreditation ensures that Changing Places are built to standard, so users can be confident that the design is fit for purpose.
It is the responsibility of the coordinating state or territory to ensure the newly built facility is accredited by a Changing Places Assessor.
The Commonwealth funding is a contribution towards the costs of building a Changing Places facility. All ongoing operational or maintenance costs are the responsibility of the state or territory.
Portable facilities
Portable Changing Places are portable facilities such as Placeable Pods, Marvelloos, or another portable toilet facility that meets Changing Places requirements. Portable Changing Places offer state, territory and local governments a versatile solution to ensure people with disability and their carers have access to a Changing Places facility, where it may not be possible or suitable to build a permanent facility. This may include education settings, temporary infrastructure, and community events.
As of July 2024, portable Changing Places facilities are now eligible for Commonwealth contribution. Read the Portable Changing Places Frequently Asked Questions for more information on Commonwealth funding for portable Changing Places.