Accessibility upgrades in Mordialloc, to benefit wider community
Work will soon commence on a number of projects to improve accessibility in Mordialloc, as part of Council’s commitment to ensure our facilities, open spaces, buildings and foreshore can be enjoyed by everyone.
Council will install a Changing Places Accessible Toilet at Peter Scullin Reserve and has approved Better Boating Victoria’s plans to build a floating pontoon in Mordialloc Creek and a proposal to upgrade the boating gangways and pontoons at George Woods Reserve.
Kingston Mayor Steve Staikos said Council is committed to improving accessibility across Kingston and these important projects will ensure everyone can access and enjoy the Mordialloc foreshore and recreational boating on the beautiful Port Phillip Bay.
“Changing Places accessible toilets provide the space and the features needed to ensure that people with limited mobility can toilet and change with dignity – improving opportunities to enjoy longer outings to public spaces like our popular Peter Scullin Reserve,” said Cr Staikos.
Changing Places accessible toilets are larger than standard accessible toilets, have extra features including an adult changing table, shower, wall-mounted hoist and a privacy screen.
Melaleuca Ward Councillor Tim Cochrane said the new Changing Places facility due to be installed from June is a much-needed addition to the Mordialloc area and will be designed to complement the environment it is being built in.
“Council is investing $1 million in the new facility with the design referencing the art deco heritage, in-line with the existing structures in the reserve and foreshore area,” said Cr Cochrane.
“This is just one of the ways accessibility is being improved in Mordialloc. Council has approved the upgrade and replacement of the boating gangways and pontoons at the Mordialloc Boat Ramp at George Woods Reserve and also a new floating pontoon in the Mordialloc Creek near the Pier.”
The new all abilities access ramp will link the existing promenade with an eight-metre long and nine-metre wide floating pontoon, creating easy access to boats in the popular fishing and boating precinct. Works will also be undertaken to the adjacent carpark to provide two additional disabled car spaces.
Construction on the floating pontoon is due to commence in June.
“With all these projects there will be some unavoidable disruptions including to boating access, some toilets, parking and pedestrian access, but we are aiming to keep this to a minimum and we’re confident these important improvements will be welcomed by the community,” said Cr Staikos.
“Boating and fishing is a popular past-time for many and we want to make sure all residents can continue to access and enjoy our waterways well into the future despite any mobility issues,” said Cr Staikos.
The Changing Places facility in Mordialloc will be the third installed by the City of Kingston, with others available at Bicentennial Park in Chelsea and Riding for the Disabled, Moorabbin. A fourth facility is soon to open at the new Carrum Foreshore Park, as part of the LXRP works.
“Another Changing Places facility has been earmarked as part of the redevelopment of the Mentone Life Saving Club, which is due to get underway in June. The new building will also feature a DDA compliant pedestrian ramp, ensuring everyone has access to the Mentone foreshore,” said Cr Staikos.
