Council Awards Contract for Key Accessibility Project

13 December 2024 

Council Awards Contract for Key Accessibility Project 

Southern Grampians Shire Council has taken significant steps toward improving accessibility and modernising public facilities, awarding a contract during the December meeting to design and construct a Changing Places facility in the Hamilton Botanic Gardens. 

A Changing Places facility is a specialised public restroom designed to provide safe and dignified bathroom access for individuals with complex care needs, including those with significant physical disabilities.  

These facilities go beyond standard accessible restrooms by incorporating features tailored to the needs of people who require assistance from carers or family members. They are larger than a typical restroom and include tailored facilities like hoists, large changing tables, peninsular toilets and privacy screens to meet the needs of people with disability and their carers.   

The Hamilton Changing Places project was awarded to V&C Contractors Pty Ltd, marking an exciting development for accessibility in the region. This project will deliver a state-of-the-art accessible facility at the Hamilton Botanic Gardens, designed to meet the needs of residents and visitors with complex care requirements. 

Accessible via the Kennedy Street entrance, the new Changing Places facility will include essential features not usually found in a public restroom.  

The community’s call for better accessible public amenities prompted Council to secure $180,000 in funding from the Victorian State Government Department of Families, Fairness, and Housing to build an accessible facility that adheres to the Changing Places 2020 Design Specifications. 

Southern Grampians Shire Mayor, Cr Dennis Heslin, expressed his enthusiasm for the progress on this project. 

“I’m delighted that through the support of the Victorian Government, we have been able to deliver this important facility,” said Cr Heslin.  

“The demand for a Changing Places facility in our Shire has been loud and clear, and we’re very happy to establish it right in the heart of Hamilton. This project reiterates Council’s commitment to creating inclusive and accessible spaces for all.” 

As part of the contract, the successful tenderer will submit an environmental management plan to Council before work begins. The removal of a workshop shed on the site will be managed separately from this project. This project is expected to be completed in mid 2025. 

For more information, please contact the Projects Team on (03) 5573 0444. If you would like to stay up to date with community projects, sign up to our Enewsletter today! 

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