Work is set to commence on the redevelopment of public toilets in Colac's Memorial Square this week.
Council's General Manager Community and Economy Ian Seuren said it was exciting to the see the project start this week with contractors BDH Constructions installing temporary site fencing around the site of the redevelopment, which is adjacent to the existing facilities.
"While works are being undertaken, there may be some minor disruption to the use of the existing public toilet facilities, however provision will be made for the safety of visitors to Memorial Square and any impact to vehicles around the site. Anyone in the area is asked to be aware of the works, take care and observe any signage in place," Mr Seuren said.
The redeveloped toilet block will include Colac Otway's first Changing Places facility, all-gender toilets, male and female toilets and an all-gender ambulant bathroom facility. The new facilities will also feature a family room with a baby change area and an accessible toilet with baby change facilities.
"There are currently few Changing Places facilities in the region with the nearest being Winchelsea, Anglesea, Port Campbell or Warrnambool.
"Offering this facility in Colac means we open our region up to a whole sector of the community who may not otherwise have found it convenient or possible to travel to Colac Otway and surrounds."
"As a key public facility for our community and visitors to the region, the Memorial Square Public Toilet redevelopment is an important project for our community and we're excited for works to commence," Mr Seuren said.
Works are expected to commence this week with the project due for completion in mid-2024, subject to favourable weather and working conditions.
The existing toilets will be demolished after the construction and commissioning of the new toilet block.
This project is funded by the Federal Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, the Victorian Government's Changing Places program and Colac Otway Shire Council.
