Construction has begun on a new Frankston Changing Places facility, with Council expecting it to open in December ahead of the accessible beach program’s return.
The facility will be located off Wuxi Walk at Frankston Waterfront. It will provide specialised personal care amenities for people with disability and high support needs.
Frankston City Council says it is jointly funding the project with the Australian Government through the Accessible Australia initiative. The announcement does not include the total project cost or either party’s contribution.
What the Frankston Changing Places Facility Will Provide
Changing Places facilities support people whose needs cannot be met by a standard accessible toilet. Features include an adult-sized, height-adjustable change table, a ceiling hoist and additional space for carers.
Council says the waterfront addition will help people with high support needs spend longer at the foreshore and take part in beach activities.
Mayor Sue Baker said the project would provide specialised amenities for residents and visitors.
“By adding a Changing Places facility, we’re ensuring people with high support needs have access to the specialised amenities they need to comfortably spend time at our foreshore and enjoy all that Frankston has to offer.”
According to Council, it will become the municipality’s second certified Changing Places facility. The existing facility is at the George Pentland Botanic Garden play space.
Accessible Beach Program Returns in December
The works follow Council’s decision to bring back the program known as Australia’s Most Accessible Beach for the 2026–27 summer.
Council delivered the 2025–26 pilot in partnership with Accessible Beaches Australia. It provided beach matting, beach wheelchairs and walkers, transfer equipment, shaded rest areas and assistance from trained staff and volunteers.
Council reported more than 456 participants across 247 groups over 30.5 operational days. A further 241 people used the beach matting.
It also said almost one-third of participants had been unable to visit a beach for more than 11 years. Several reported that more than two decades had passed since they last touched the ocean.
The release does not explain how those responses were collected or how many participants answered the questions.
The program is due to resume in December, although Council’s announcement does not specify an opening date or operating hours.
Toilet Access During Construction
Council expects the waterfront toilet upgrade to continue until early December. Part of the public toilet block at the waterfront car park will close during construction.
Visitors can use alternative public toilets about 270 metres north at Frankston Yacht Club, behind Oliver’s Corner Cafe.
Another toilet block is about 300 metres south, beside the Frankston Foreshore Regional Playground.
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