Moreton Bay Changing Places Network Plan
Moreton Bay Council, QLD
The City of Moreton Bay Changing Places Network Plan is an Australia-first initiative. Formally endorsed by Council, the plan sets a bold new benchmark for inclusive infrastructure and provides a framework that can be adapted nationwide.
Changing Places facilities are larger accessible bathrooms equipped with specialist facilities such as hoists, adult change tables and other features that enable safe, dignified access for people with high support disabilities and are offered in addition to accessible toilets. For those who rely on them, these facilities are life-changing – enabling participation in community life, supporting carers and preventing unsafe or undignified alternatives.
CRED Consulting was engaged by The City of Moreton Bay to develop this pioneering strategy – a strategic, evidence-based framework to guide where Changing Places facilities should be located across the LGA, how many are needed and what standards should apply. This is particularly important as the region prepares to host major events in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
A cornerstone of the project was targeted engagement with people with lived experience. For a group often under-represented in planning and design processes, our engagement program ensured that their voices and experiences guided every stage of the plan – shaping priorities, informing locations, and ensuring that the outcomes directly address their needs.
The plan sets a new national benchmark for inclusion and accessibility, creating a transferable model for councils and governments across Australia to plan, deliver and prioritise inclusive infrastructure.
HOW WE DID IT
CRED Consulting designed and delivered the Changing Places Network Plan through a collaborative, evidence-based process that combined local insight with international best practice.
We delivered:
- A comprehensive audit and spatial mapping of existing facilities to identify gaps and opportunities.
- Comparative population-based benchmarking of provision of Changing Places facilities in SEQ, Australian states and territories and international leaders such as the UK.
- Targeted engagement with people with lived experience, carers and service providers -including accessible ‘Easy English’ online surveys, interviews, workshops and group discussions.
- Strategic context analysis to align recommendations with Council and the Queensland State Government’s diversity and inclusion strategies and accessible tourism and event planning to ensure accessibility is embedded into the city’s growth and visitor economy.
- International benchmarking and interviews with Changing Places UK and Melbourne to capture critical success factors and lessons from national and global leaders.
- A prioritisation framework developed through engagement across Council to support decision making for identifying the best locations for Changing Places facilities across the city to maximise impact, respond to need and ensure investment in the network achieves the best possible return.
- Rate of provision targets and recommendations for opportunities for future provision across destination type (e.g. parks and playgrounds, tourist destinations, shopping and retail centres, community and cultural venues, transport hubs) to guide future delivery of Changing Places across the LGA.
- Case studies of best practice Changing Places across Australia.
Image credit: City of Moreton Bay Council
OUTCOMES
When this project started, the City of Moreton Bay had just three Changing Places facilities – a provision rate of one facility for every 158,780 residents. By comparison, Queensland’s average rate was one per 161,129 people, while Victoria led the nation at one per 48,898.
The Changing Places Network Plan sets an ambitious new target of one facility for every 20,000 – 30,000 residents, representing a transformational shift and a genuine commitment to inclusion. This benchmark positions Moreton Bay as a national leader in accessible infrastructure planning.
Formally endorsed by Council, the plan is already catalysing delivery across the city, with Changing Places facilities being integrated into new and upgraded public spaces from recreation areas and community hubs to tourist destinations and event venues.
Beyond its local impact, the plan is inspiring regional and national change. Other Queensland councils are now developing their own Changing Places networks using the Moreton Bay framework as a blueprint for inclusive growth, proving that accessibility can – and should – be built into place planning from the start.
Image credit: CRED Consulting
2025 WINNER
PIA QLD Awards for Planning Excellence Wendy Chadwick Encouragement Award