City opens first public toilet incorporating a Changing Places facility

The City of South Perth has officially opened its first public toilet incorporating a Changing Places facility at Sir James Mitchell Park (Coode Street end) as part of its ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusion for all. 

The new nationally accredited Changing Places facility is larger than a standard accessible toilet and provides people with disability and high support needs access to suitable, safe and private bathroom facilities. 

It forms part of a new toilet complex at the foreshore which also includes a unisex accessible toilet with a baby change table, two ambulant cubicles and three unisex cubicles, providing six individual toilets in total. External features include bike racks, an external handwashing station, drink fountain and seating. 

The project was made possible through $181,200 in grant funding from the State Government Department of Communities and the Australian Government.  

Mayor Greg Milner said the new Changing Places facility was another important step in the City’s continued efforts to improve accessibility and inclusion. 

“Our first Changing Places facility ensures that people with disability and their carers can enjoy our beautiful foreshore with dignity, comfort and confidence. Accessibility isn’t an optional extra, it’s fundamental to building a city that works for everyone,” he added. 

Changing Places facilities provide essential amenities such as height-adjustable change tables, ceiling hoists and additional space for carers, enabling people with high support needs to participate more fully in community life. 

It can be accessed with a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK). A MLAK is available to people with a disability – including physical, intellectual or invisible disabilities – to access dedicated public toilets, Liberty Swings and Changing Places across Australia. Keys can be purchased through the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia website once eligibility has been confirmed via an application. If needed, a key can be collected from the City’s George Burnett Leisure Centre for a refundable fee. 

Federal member for Swan Zaneta Mascarenhas said it was fantastic to see this new accessible facility open at one of Perth’s most loved foreshores. 

“Everyone should be able to enjoy these spaces with dignity, comfort and safety. The Albanese Government is proud to back projects like this because accessibility should be part of how we build our communities, especially here in this beautiful part of South Perth,” she said. 

"There are so many great community events at Sir James Mitchell Park, this upgrade means more people with disability can be part of them,” she added. 

Member for South Perth Geoff Baker MLA said the investment in accessible infrastructure at the Coode Street foreshore would ensure more people in the community can enjoy the area.  

“Coode St Foreshore is amazing and very popular with the people of South Perth, so we really need new facilities down here,” he said. 

Mayor Milner said the addition of the facility at the popular Coode Street Foreshore location was particularly important. 

“Sir James Mitchell Park is one of Perth’s most iconic riverfront spaces, used by families, visitors and the community every day. Ensuring this space is accessible to everyone is critical. 

“A second Changing Places is currently under construction at Neil McDougall Park, which will provide even more options for residents and visitors to our beautiful City.” 

The new toilet facility at the Coode Street foreshore forms part of a broader program of upgrades planned over the coming years to enhance the natural environment, accessibility and community enjoyment of this popular area. 

Key improvements include riverbank and wetland restoration, a new regional play space (subject to funding), improved pathways and beach access, accessibility and lighting upgrades and water quality enhancements. 

Guided by the South Perth Foreshore Strategy and Management Plan and developed in partnership with key agencies and First Nation groups, the enhancements will deliver lasting benefits for residents, visitors and the environment. 

To learn more about current and future projects in Sir James Mitchell Park, visit the City of South Perth website at southperth.wa.gov.au/sjmpenhancements