How to Maximise Changing Places Funding for Your Council in 2025

Inclusive infrastructure is essential in creating communities where everyone can thrive. For Australians with high support needs, access to suitable public facilities goes beyond convenience—it’s a necessity. The Australian Government’s Changing Places initiative addresses this need by offering funding to install specialised toilet facilities for people with disabilities and their carers.

As we near the final tranche of funding, local councils have a limited time to apply and secure their share of the funding before it closes. This blog explains the Changing Places funding program and how Modus Australia can assist councils in delivering these vital facilities.

What are Changing Places toilets?

Changing Places toilets provide a significant upgrade over standard accessible toilets. They’re specifically designed to meet the needs of people with high support needs, providing not only a toilet but an entire suite of features that make public spaces accessible to everyone. These include:

• Height-adjustable adult-sized change tables
• Ceiling hoist systems to assist with safe transfers
• Spacious layouts that can accommodate mobility equipment and a carer
• Automatic doors with privacy screens
• Centrally located peninsula toilets for better accessibility

These facilities allow individuals with significant disabilities to fully participate in community life—whether it's attending events, enjoying public parks, or going shopping. For councils, these toilets represent an investment in inclusivity, strengthening community engagement and support for people with disabilities. Check out this inspiring video by disability advocate Shane Hryhorec from Push Mobility, showcasing our Changing Places facility at Glenthorne National Park and its impact on accessibility below.?

Changing Places Funding Overview

From 2024-25 to 2027-28, the Australian Government has allocated $17.1 million to support Changing Places facilities in Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Australia. This funding is part of the Accessible Australia initiative, which aims to improve accessibility for people with disability in both built and natural environments. The funding is divided into four tranches, and as we approach the end of the first tranche, time is running out for councils to apply.

Tranche funding breakdown:

• Tranche 1 (2024–25 financial year):
• Tranche 2 (2025–26 financial year)
• Tranche 3 (2026–27 financial year)
• Tranche 4 (2027–28 financial year)

Tranche 1 of the Commonwealth Changing Places funding offer is currently underway and will run for the 2024-25 financial year. Tranche 2 will follow in the 2025-26 financial year. All Local Government Areas (LGAs) in all states and territories across Australia are eligible for funding. Each tranche has a limited amount of funding. Councils should engage with their state or territory government to express interest and secure their share of available funding.

Eligibility For Changing Places Funding

Since February 2024, all LGAs in Australia have been eligible to apply for funding, regardless of whether they already have Changing Places facilities. The funding includes:

100% funding for:

• Inclusive beaches
• Inclusive national parks
• Portable Changing Places facilities

50% funding for:

• Inclusive play spaces
• Fixed Changing Places facilities

To qualify, councils must meet specific requirements, including:

• Construction timeline: Work must begin within 12 months of funding approval and be completed within 18 months.
• Accreditation: Facilities must meet Changing Places Design Specifications 2020 and receive official accreditation from a Changing Places Assessor.
• Maintenance Councils will be responsible for ongoing maintenance, while state or territory governments will cover operational costs.

How to apply?

Funding under Accessible Australia is managed through agreements with state and territory governments, meaning local councils and organisations cannot apply directly to the Commonwealth for funding. To access funding for Changing Places facilities or other eligible accessibility projects, councils should engage with their state or territory government to:

• Explore funding opportunities under the program.
• Understand the application process and any specific state or territory requirements.
• Take the necessary steps to secure funding for their community.

The Department of Social Services administers these funds through Federation Funding Agreements (FFAs), with state and territory governments responsible for distributing grants to approved projects.

Why apply now?

Lost funding: Miss out on the remaining funding opportunities for accessible public toilets.

Accessibility gaps: Leave gaps in critical infrastructure for people with disabilities.

Increased costs: Delays could lead to higher construction costs due to inflation or changes in project scope.

Delaying your application doesn’t just risk funding, it can delay progress towards an inclusive community. Taking action now secures financial support and demonstrates a council's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

Overcoming challenges in delivering Changing Places facilities

Securing Changing Places funding is just the first step. Councils must be prepared to face challenges with planning approvals, compliance, and community engagement. Here’s how to handle these hurdles effectively:

1. Securing co-funding

The typical cost of a Changing Places facility is around $230,000, with government grants covering up to half the cost. To bridge the gap, councils can:

• Partner with local businesses and public toilet manufacturers in Australia for additional support.
• Align Changing Places projects with broader infrastructure budgets to maximise funding efficiency.
• Explore other funding opportunities through state and local government grants.

2. Designing for compliance

Changing Places facilities must meet strict guidelines for accessibility and safety to qualify for accreditation. Councils should work with experienced suppliers who understand these standards and can provide public toilet design solutions that meet both compliance and the practical needs of users. Modus offers tailored solutions that ensure your toilet building design is up to code and seamlessly integrates into public spaces.

3. Stakeholder engagement

Early engagement with key stakeholders—disability advocates, local businesses, and community groups—is crucial for ensuring the facility meets real-world needs. This collaboration can also help secure community support, which may ease the planning and approval process.

The impact Of Changing Places toilets on your community

For local governments, investing in Changing Places toilets isn’t just about meeting regulatory standards but about providing a service that benefits the entire community. These facilities are transformative for individuals with disabilities and their carers, enabling them to participate fully in public life. For councils, the benefits include:

• Increased public satisfaction:councils show they are committed to inclusivity and equal access.
• Leadership in accessibility: Positioning your council as a leader in accessible public infrastructure.
• Improved compliance: Ensuring compliance with the latest standards for public open spaces and public restroom buildings.