Adult change table facilities in community should take priority, MP Leslie Williams says

Leslie Williams wrote to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council general manager Jeffery Sharp in response to a council push for the state government to provide adult change table facilities along NSW highways.

An all-access amenities block in Port Macquarie's Short Street includes a height-adjustable adult change table.

"I think we would all agree that these are much welcomed facilities and that further improved accessibility across the LGA will be well received," Mrs Williams said in the letter.

The Short Street all-access amenities block was funded by the state government ($255,000), Hastings Access Sub-Committee ($108,000) and Town Centre Master Plan Sub-Committee ($25,000).

Mrs Williams' letter said while the council sought the provision of adult change table facilities along NSW highways, she would argue that we should be endeavouring to achieve an increase in such facilities within our local community for use by residents as well as visitors with physical disabilities.

"Caring for an adult with physical disabilities can be very challenging and as well as having adult change table facilities, the convenience of other facilities and services including open spaces with suitable footpaths and seating and eateries nearby will be a consideration when planning visits and excursions," the letter said.

"As the local Member of Parliament, I would prioritise advocacy for funding to increase adult change table facilities within our community ahead of such facilities along the NSW highway so that they would be of benefit to local residents on a regular basis."

Mrs Williams brought the council's position on the matter to the attention of Regional Transport and Roads Minister Paul Toole.

Cr Peter Alley raised the adult change tables along highways issue at the March council meeting.

Cr Alley told the Port News he would be happy to work with Mrs Williams towards providing additional adult change table facilities in our community.

"But our local people need to travel from time to time and they have to travel to Newcastle or Sydney for health reasons or for holidays," he said.

"Therefore the state government should also be working towards a network of adult change table facilities on our NSW highways."

Mrs Williams also brought to the council's attention the national public toilet map.

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