Changing Places

Announced in the 2022-23 October Budget, 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 across Australia.

Changing Places facilities are larger than standard accessible toilets and have extra features and more space to meet the needs of people with disability and their carers.

A Changing Places toilet facility allows individuals with high support needs to take part in all elements of community life, without having to limit their time out due to concerns about being able to access a suitable toilet. Changing Places provide suitable facilities for people who are not accommodated by standard accessible toilets.

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

Implementation Timeline

The Government’s funding commitment is being implemented in four Tranches: 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, and 2025-2026.

Tranche 1 of Changing Places has now closed, resulting in the Commonwealth partnering with the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and South Australia for 7 Changing Places facilities.

Work on Tranche 2 is currently underway and will run for the 2023-24 financial year. Bilateral discussions with states and territories are in progress, with a focus on both ‘build-ready’ and bespoke build opportunities for funding agreements, including Changing Places facilities integrated with upcoming infrastructure projects at the state and territory level.

Funding and Funding Mechanisms

The Commonwealth will provide:

  • 50% of the funding towards build costs for Changing Places facilities in LGAs without an existing facility
  • 40% of the funding towards build costs for all subsequent facilities in any LGA with at least one Changing Places

Build costs may vary amongst jurisdictions and between regional, remote, and metropolitan locations. Given this, funding allocation will be based on:

  • estimated average cost of facilities, as determined by each state and territory, and
  • evidence that average cost has been independently sourced from and endorsed by accredited builders or assessors of Changing Places facilities

The department is currently delivering funding through Federation Funding Agreements (FFAs) between the Commonwealth and states and territories.

Further information on FFAs can be found on the Federal Financial Relations website.

Sourcing of Remaining Funding and Co-Funding Opportunities

States and territories are encouraged to identify collaborative funding contributions from Local Government Areas (LGAs), local councils and appropriate third party contributors. Third party contributors may include tourism locations, shopping precincts, or existing builds. To remain eligible for funding under Commonwealth FFAs, jurisdictions must maintain overarching responsibility for project delivery and reporting.

Jurisdictions are able to combine funding with other Commonwealth grants for the remaining funding cost. For example, grants from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts may be used to supplement the Changing Places funding offer. These grants may include, but are not limited to, the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program or the Growing Regions Program.

Interested jurisdictions are asked to discuss specific build and funding proposals with the department, to determine the most appropriate pathway forward.

Eligibility and Funding Requirements

A Changing Places facility can be built in most locations, however approval of Commonwealth funding for proposed locations is subject to Commonwealth agreement.

Building must begin within 12 months of receiving Commonwealth funding, and 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 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.

Further Information

Further information on Changing Places can be found at the Changing Places Australia website. The Changing Places Australia website is overseen by the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. It contains the following:

  • a list of all accredited and registered Changing Places facilities
  • the Changing Places Design Specifications 2020
  • design files
  • online registration and accreditation processes 

Further information on the Changing Places Commonwealth funding offer can be found in the following Commonwealth Funding Offer Fact Sheet.

If you would like to contact the department to discuss the Changing Places budget initiative further, you can email ChangingPlaces@dss.gov.au.

Changing Places Links

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