The lack of baby change facilities in public toilets in Eden will be part of a shire-wide review of council amenities looking at whether they meet community expectations.
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Eden Chamber of Commerce president Jenny Robb wrote to Bega Valley Shire Council last week saying members of the community had complained that there were no public baby changing facilities in Eden.
“Facilities such as these are now considered essential and we are mindful that our lack of facilities causes issues with parents of young babies,” Ms Robb said in her June 6 letter to BVSC general manager Leanne Barnes.
“It may also incite negative feedback from our growing number of visitors,” Ms Robb said.
“We would be grateful if you could ask the relevant department within council to engage with us regarding the future planning for such a facility.”
But it appears the issue is already on the council’s radar.
A council spokesman told the Magnet that over the coming months council would undertake a review of all its amenities, looking at whether they met expectations and needs, including access and inclusion.
“Baby change facilities are a great example of one of the areas that will be looked at,” the spokesman said.
Ms Robb said it was the chamber’s understanding that some of the tenders for the Hotel Australasia site contained provision of public toilet facilities, including the possibility of a parents’ room.
“However, given that the future development of the Hotel Australasia site remains in limbo, we would welcome council’s support in seeking immediate installation in the public facility in Davidson Place as a priority,” she said.
“It is understood that the disabled toilet within that facility provides suitable space.
“If funds allowed, another baby change table installed in the toilet facility at Snug Cove would also be very welcome, given this precinct’s popularity with visitors.”
A basic change table could be sourced for as little as $500 plus installation, she said.
The council spokesman said many of the shire’s public amenities were built many years ago and it was now time to look at them in a more modern context.
“Council has made it clear that any development of the Hotel Australian site needs to consider public toilet facilities,” the spokesman added.
