The Marveloo portable accessible toilet, located in Lakes Entrance near the footbridge, was temporarily relocated to help support accessibility at the Australian Motorcyle Grand Prix, held on Phillip Island in mid-October.
The facility allows people with high support needs to attend events and activities knowing they will have safe and comfortable bathroom facilities.
There have been some delays in transport; however the Marveloo is expected back in Lakes Entrance this week.
This is the first time Marveloo has been moved from Lakes Entrance since being donated to East Gippsland Shire Council by Maroondah City Council (who also designed Marveloo) to support the region's bushfire recovery.
Marveloo is accessed using an MLAK, a restricted master key system allowing people with disabilities 24-hour access to public facilities.
It includes:
- an overhead ceiling hoist,
- a height adjustable adult change table,
- a fully accessible toilet,
- curtains for extra privacy,
- an access ramp and automatic door,
- heating and cooling and,
- an external sun shade.
Council CEO Anthony Basford said the Grand Prix organisers asked to hire Council's Marveloo as it was the only one available for the event dates. The MotoGP was held on October 20-22, with the Marveloo being taken to the grand prix circuit earlier that week.
"We received the request close to the event date as I believe their other arrangement fell through. We chose to support it as it would make the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix more accessible for all MotoGP fans," Mr Basford said.
"The event organisers funded all costs associated with moving the facility, and also made a donation to an East Gippsland disability advocacy group.
"Unfortunately, this meant we didn't have an opportunity to notify our community that the Marveloo would be temporarily unavailable. Marveloo is designed to be portable so it can be taken to events, festivals and popular locations to help people with high support needs enjoy the same events, attractions and recreation areas as other community members.
"We acknowledge community members needed more notice that the Marveloo would be temporarily unavailable at Lakes Entrance, and apologise for any inconvenience caused," Mr Basford said.
Council has been designing plans for a permanent facility at the Lakes Entrance foreshore with all the features of the Marveloo. Tenders to construct this facility close on Wednesday, November 1 with project completion planned for end of April 2024.
The Marveloo will then be set up at Cann River, which is a very popular rest stop for people travelling the Monaro and Princes highways.
