Accessibility upgrades begin in Portarlington

WITH VINNIE VAN OORSCHOT

CONSTRUCTION has begun on a new accessible public toilet and amenity building in Portarlington, providing a much-needed infrastructure boost at one of northern Bellarine’s busiest beaches.

The $650,000 upgrade project is supported by a grant from the Victorian government and will be overseen by local land manager Bellarine Bayside.

Works to the site at Henderson Reserve will deliver a fully compliant Changing Places facility, complete with an accessible toilet, shower, hoist and adult change table.

Changing Places facilities are larger than standard accessible toilets and are designed to remove barriers for people with high support needs to enjoy day-to-day activities and ensuring they have access to safe, suitable and private bathroom facilities.

The new amenities will also include new accessible ambulant and standard toilet cubicles, external beach showers and a storage room for beach wheelchairs.

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant welcomed the beginning of construction on the facility.

“I’m thrilled to see these works break ground, progressing the addition of a Changing Places facility to the beaches of the Bellarine Peninsula in time for everyone to enjoy a day at the beach this summer,” she said.

Bellarine Bayside chief executive officer Scott Crabtree said the new, modern facilities would vastly improve accessibility and give everyone a chance to enjoy the region’s beaches.

“It is an exciting week as we continue to transform accessibility on the coast and ensure all members of the community have access to modern and fit-for-purpose facilities that meet today’s expectations,” he said.

“The addition of the Changing Places facility means that people who are unable to use a standard accessible toilet and need the assistance of carers will feel welcome on our coast.”

Demolition of the existing public amenity building began on Tuesday last week, and works are expected to last around two months and be completed before Christmas.

During construction, the facility will remain closed to the public, with the nearest alternative public amenities located 300m to the east of the site near the Portarlington Pier.

As part of the accessibility upgrades to the reserve, Bellarine Bayside will undertake works to safely link the new Changing Places facility to the Bellarine Coastal Trail and beach across the foreshore road.

Partially funded by the Victorian government, the $157,000 project will include the installation of accessible paths, a wombat crossing, disabled parking, all abilities beach matting and associated accessible furniture.

These works are slated to start in 2025.