Cairns just got more inclusive.
Council has converted a section of the Lagoon toilet block building into a Changing Places accessible adult change facility.
The new changerooms will improve access for all community members, particularly residents and visitors with disability.
Changing Places accessible adult change facilities are different to standard disabled/accessible toilets and have extra features and more space to meet the extra needs of people who have high support needs.
The facilities include a toilet with drop down grabrails, an adult size changing table, and importantly a ceiling hoist.
Users can access the facility using Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) and are required to bring their own hoist sling for hygiene purposes. (Lifeguards and lagoon staff have access to a MLAK key, and they are also available on application from Council's website.)
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the new changerooms added to the city's reputation as a welcoming, inclusive and accessible place.
"We are thrilled to build spaces that make Cairns more accessible and inclusive," she said.
"The new facility provides an area for residents and visitors who need adult changing facilities to better enjoy our vibrant CBD.
"Now, they can visit restaurants, the gallery, and other places knowing they have somewhere central to go to stay comfortable.
"Prior to this, people who needed adult changing facilities would have to cut their outings short to take care of themselves.
"This affected their experiences as it limited their participation in the city, also impacting economic benefits.
"Cairns is taking a lead in attracting the accessible visitor market which is the fastest growing market in tourism."
The changerooms also complement Council's Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) 2024-2026, which aims to increase participation opportunities for people with disability and recognising their valuable contribution to our community.
Cr Eden – who had championed the change facility while Division 5 Councillor – said she was inspired by a conversation with a mother and her daughter who has a disability and complex support needs.
"They helped me understand dignity and wellbeing in terms of disability, and the social and economic benefits of investing in appropriate facilities and infrastructure to support people with disability," Cr Eden said.
"Cairns already had these facilities at other venues, such as Tobruk Pool and Woree Pool, but it made sense that we should have one at our city's most loved asset.
The upgrade helps Cairns celebrate the Year of Accessible Tourism in Queensland, which is an opportunity to recognise the importance of accessible tourism experiences for all, and to ignite change and create opportunities.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen congratulated Cairns Regional Council on making the Lagoon's facilities more accessible.
"Tropical North Queensland's profile as an accessible destination has been elevated over the past 18 months with substantial investment in upgrading local infrastructure to better meet the needs of people of all abilities," he said.
"I encourage visitors to visit the Accessibility Hub on the Tropical North Queensland destination website to plan a holiday that allows them to participate in a variety of experiences in our region."
The new changerooms also build on the Esplanade's accessibility credentials – at the southern end of the lagoon, level entry is available into the water for beach wheelchairs, and a free beach wheelchair is also available for lagoon users to book through the lifeguards.
The changerooms are part of suite of measures rolled out by Council in recent years to provide greater accessibility for all abilities, including the availability of beach matting and wheelchairs for public use at the Palm Cove and Ellis Beach, a parking map on the My Cairns app that shows all the accessible parking bays in the city, and braille and tactile street name signs at CBD intersections.
