New Public Amenities Officially Open in the Heart of Loxton
The project came to life following the relocation of the Loxton Library and Visitor Information Centre to the former Council Office at 29 East Terrace after the redevelopment of the historic Loxton Institute building. The remaining building on the site was demolished in late 2024 to make way for the new amenities and surrounding open space.
As planning progressed, Council expanded the scope of the project to incorporate a fully compliant Changing Places facility, significantly improving accessibility for people with high support needs and their carers. Unlike a standard accessible toilet, a Changing Places facility includes additional space and specialised equipment such as an adult-sized change table, ceiling hoist and accessible toilet, providing a safe, dignified and practical amenity for people with profound disability and those who support them. The expanded scope increased the overall project budget and was made possible through funding contributions from both the Australian and South Australian Governments.
Construction presented several unforeseen challenges that extended the project's delivery. During demolition, remnants of previous structures were discovered beneath the site, requiring specialist contractors, deep excavation and revisions to the engineering design for the building’s foundations.
The Council appreciates the patience and understanding shown by the community while the project team and construction crews worked through these unexpected challenges to ensure the facility was delivered safely and to the highest standard.
Designed by local architect Adam Beauchamp, the completed project has delivered modern, accessible public toilets, including a fully compliant Changing Places facility, alongside updated landscaping and open space activation. The development represents years of planning and investment to improve community infrastructure while supporting the continued growth and activation of the East Terrace precinct.
The project has also delivered important economic benefits to the region, with the majority of contractors and trades engaged throughout construction based in the Riverland.
Further improvements to the area will continue in the coming months with the installation of a new electronic community information sign, providing a modern platform for promoting local events, initiatives and community announcements.
The Council thanks the community for its patience throughout construction and acknowledges the valuable support of its funding partners and local contractors in bringing the project to life.
Comments attributable to Mayor Trevor Norton:
"The new public amenities provide a modern, accessible and welcoming facility for residents and visitors alike, while creating a more open and inviting public space in the heart of Loxton. Importantly, the inclusion of a Changing Places facility is a major milestone for our region. It provides people with high support needs, their families and carers the confidence to visit and spend time in Loxton, knowing they have access to appropriate, purpose-built facilities. It's an important step towards making our community more inclusive and accessible for everyone."
Comments attributable to Chief Executive Officer, David Beaton:
"This project is about much more than replacing public toilets. By transforming this important section of East Terrace, Council has improved accessibility for people of all abilities while creating a space that will support community activity, tourism and future town centre activation for many years to come."
Funding Acknowledgement
The project received funding by the Australian Government through the Commonwealth Accessible Australia initiative.
Changing Places Facility Access
- The Changing Places bathroom is accessed using the Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) system, a national initiative that provides eligible people living with disability with 24-hour access to specialised accessible facilities across Australia.
- In addition to Changing Places bathrooms, an MLAK key can also be used to access locked accessible public toilets, selected accessible lifts and inclusive playground equipment such as Liberty Swings.
- Eligible individuals and carers can apply for an MLAK key through the Master Locksmiths Association of Australia: https://masterlocksmiths.com.au/mlak/