A new all-access amenities block is a great step forward for people with disability in the region, an access sub-committee member says.
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The Hastings Access Sub-Committee's Ben Oultram raised, at sub-committee meetings over the course of four years, the need for an adult change table facility in the community.
It's now a reality with a new accessible toilet block in Port Macquarie's Plaza Car Park including a height-adjustable adult change table as well as wheelchair-friendly toilet facilities.
Mr Oultram said the facilities would benefit the community.
Two wheelchair accessible car parking spaces, wide footpath and two outside bench seats with armrests are included as part of the project.
The accessible toilet block, which fronts Short Street, is set to open to the public on Wednesday, September 18.
Mayor Peta Pinson said the facility was a long time coming.
"The new amenities block is a first for our region and is life-changing for the members of our community and tourists who are living with disability," Cr Pinson said.
The state government under the Stronger Country Communities Fund provided $255,000 to the project, Hastings Access Sub-Committee contributed $108,000 and $25,000 came from the Town Centre Master Plan Sub-Committee.
Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams said this was another partnership infrastructure project between the NSW Government and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
"I think everyone out there knows how important this facility is and how it will make a difference to people living with disability and their carers," she said.
Hastings Access Sub-Committee chair Peter Alley thanked Mr Oultram for his advocacy.
He cited the benefits as a result of the project.
"In our community, we need to bring everybody along with us and that's what makes this type of facility so important," Cr Alley said.
The old toilet block in the Plaza Car Park will be demolished.
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