Changing Places are toilet facilities, for children, young people and adults with profound or multiple disabilities, which are fitted with specialist equipment including a hoist and changing bench. They provide enough space for up to two carers to support the person with a disability to use the Changing Place.

Yes, the facilities will be fit for purpose.

The new proposal in the Mulga Car Park location has a smaller footprint available which will result in a change of layout to that indicated at Junction Square but will retain the same amenities.

• One unisex toilet – with change facilities
• One accessible toilet – with change facilities
• One changing places toilet – with adult change table and MLAK keyed (access 24hrs)
• Bike hub and repair station with three secure bike lockers, bike racks, bike repair stand, tube vending machine, universal E-Bike charger, bubbler and drink bottle refill
• Two disabled car parks located next to the changing places toilet (will be relocated from other side of the allotment)
• Accessible ramp from disabled car parks to the changing places toilet
• Safety railings along car park driveway

The Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) system is an innovative system that uses a universal lock and key to allow people with disability and their carers to access dedicated public facilities such as Changing Places toilets 24 hours a day.

It was developed to help increase the availability of accessible, clean and functioning public toilets for people unable to use standard toilet facilities.

The key system helps to keep the facilities safe from vandalism and available for those who need them the most.

Key holders will have access to the Liberty Swing in Belvoir Park, future Changing Places facilities in Wodonga and thousands of accessible toilets, over 150 Changing Places toilet facilities and more than 170 Liberty Swings around Australia.

MLAK keys are available to people with disability who have written authority from a doctor or disability organisation.

I you already have a MLAK key, you won't need to do anything. You will be able to access the facility once it has been built.

If you are entitled to a MLAK key but do not yet hold one, the keys can be purchased from an MLAA Business Member, or from the MLAA directly. An online order form is available here.

Companion Card holders in Victoria can receive a free MLAK key. Victorian Companion Cardholders can apply here.

When considering a suitable location for the multiuse amenity facility the following criteria were used to assess all potential locations.

Accessibility

• Conveniently located in or within close proximity to Wodonga’s CBD; and
• Easy to find and close to or connected to Wodonga shared pathway networks.

Connectivity

• Adequate parking for locals and visitors to utilise facilities on a short and semi-long-term basis;
• Access and ability to connect to services (water, sewer & power);
• Easy access for those travelling through Wodonga and the Northeast region; and
• Other supporting infrastructure nearby such as shops, food, fuel, and accommodation.

Security

• A safe and secure location that would provide confidence for the intended uses.

Land ownership

• Preferably on council-owned land.

Impacts of the site

• Complementary and value add to existing offerings at locations.

Risks

• Consideration of any potential risks or conflicts with other place/space users.

Locations investigated in 2022

• Thomas Mitchell Dr - Near the Rail trail adjacent to shops including Washington Cycles
• Thomas Mitchell Dr - Opposite the corner of Wigg St, in front of the Wodonga Racecourse
• Thomas Mitchell Dr - Near service station and opposite Astor House
• Beechworth Rd - In centre medium near Southside Terrace (opposite Uniting Church)
• Elgin Blvd - Opposite the Wodonga Court House
• Hovell St - Woodland Grove
• Hovell St - Council, Cube, Hyphen - Wodonga Library Gallery car park
• Belvoir Park - Near public toilets and barbque shelter
• Havelock St - Start of rail trail, opposite rear of Wodonga Bowling Club
• Havelock St - At the future South Str intersection, behind the current Band Hall location
• Junction Square - Grassed area attached to the car park in leased land near High St
• Junction Square - End of gantry, opposite The Goods Shed

Additional locations investigated in 2023

• Mulga Car Park - between KFC and “The Quarter” development
• Smythe St - Opposite Wodonga Plaza entrance
• Thomas Mitchell Dr - Near service station and opposite Astor House
• Hovell Street - In front of Wodonga Tafe Space

• The Mulga Car Park location addressed all the public toilet principles and met council’s obligations in terms of the conditions of the planning permit granted for Hyphen - Wodonga Library Gllery.
• There would be convenient access to the facility, including connections to bike lanes and public transportation routes. As a result the Mulga carpark location would promote sustainable and inclusive travel options.
• Officers believe placing the bike hub and changing places facility adjacent to Richardson Park could significantly increase visitation to the site and surrounding area.
• These amenities will attract cyclists and individuals with accessibility needs, leading to more activity and footfall.
• The carpark's central but discreet location ensures easy access for a diverse range of users, whether they are cycling through the city or utilising nearby amenities.

The Mulga Car Park location has a smaller footprint available. This will result in a change of layout to that indicated at Junction Square but the design will retain the same amenities.

The multiuse facility at the proposed Mulga Car Park location would be 65m2 with the design and façade more in line with our other public toilet amenities.

The multiuse facility will still include;

• One unisex toilet – with change facilities
• One accessible toilet – with change facilities
• One changing places toilet – with adult change table and MLAK keyed (access 24hrs)
• Bike hub and repair station with three secure bike lockers, bike racks, bike repair stand, tube vending machine, universal E-Bike charger, bubbler and drink bottle refill
• Two disabled car parks located next to the changing places toilet (will be relocated from other side of the allotment)
• Accessible ramp from disabled car parks to the changing places toilet
• Safety railings along car park driveway

If the multiuse facility is constructed in the Mulga Car Park, there will be a loss of three car spaces.

Mulga Car Park is designated as an overflow carpark for the CBD and does not directly service any businesses.

It is not forecast that the removal of the three car parks will negatively impact users.

Yes, the proposed Mulga Car Park location is well placed to serve users of the city's path network.

See the proposed location (marked with a star) on the pathways network map here.

A shared multiuse amenity facility at Belvoir Park does not meet council’s obligations in terms of the conditions of the planning permit granted for Hyphen.

Belvoir Park sits outside the CBD area, shown here.

Council has included scope for a changing places facility to be located at Belvoir Park in the long term financial plan. This will be considered during the development of the 2024-2025 budget.

Although a changing place at Belvoir Park will be a separate project, several suitable locations for a standalone facility for Belvoir Park near the existing amenities have been investigated as part of this process.