REDLAND City Council says it will consider expanding secure access to accessible public toilets on a site-by-site basis after being accused of overlooking calls from disability advocates and locksmiths.
The Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia had urged Acting Mayor Julie Talty and councillors to introduce wider use of the Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) system at accessible public toilets across the city.
Council said it recognised the importance of accessible public amenities in supporting community access and inclusion.
It currently has one MLAK-enabled facility – the Changing Places facility at Thornlands Community Park.
“Council would consider additional MLAK-enabled facilities on a site-by-site basis, having regard to demonstrated community need, location, operating hours, existing access arrangements, security considerations and wholeof-life maintenance costs,” a Council spokesperson said.
MLAK keys unlock participating accessible public toilet facilities, helping ensure they are available to people who need features such as wheelchair access, adult change tables or greater privacy.
Association chief executive Benjamin Wash said the group had sought broader adoption of the system on behalf of disability groups.
“While using a toilet is easy for the Mayor, councillors and most other people, those who experience core mobility issues, autism and other specific needs, many older Australians, those in wheelchairs, and parents who have children with disabilities often can’t use general toilets,” Mr Wash said.
He said disability advocates had long supported locked accessible toilets, arguing they could help protect facilities from misuse, damage and unhygienic conditions.
“Accessible public toilets, which are limited in number, because of their privacy are targeted by those doing drugs, with wrong intentions or who are unfortunately sleeping rough, and are often unhygienic,” Mr Wash said.
“Equally problematic is that they are often used by people who do not require accessible facilities and don’t consider that they are preventing someone who relies on them from accessing the only suitable toilet in that area or centre.”
Emergency department doctor, lawyer and disability advocate Dr Dinesh Palipana said the security offered by the MLAK system was as important as access.
“MLAK is a simple, practical solution that helps keep these facilities secure and available for the people they were designed for, supporting greater independence, confidence, and inclusion,” Dr Palipana said.
Council said it undertook scheduled cleaning, inspections and routine and reactive maintenance to keep public amenities safe, clean and serviceable during operating hours.
It said access, security and locking arrangements varied according to location, community need, patterns of use, maintenance requirements and safety considerations.
Council also records complaints, customer requests and maintenance work orders involving public amenities, including vandalism, misuse and maintenance issues.
A spokesperson said Council would consider consulting local disability organisa- tions where appropriate and welcomed feedback on the accessibility and operation of facilities through its customer request channels.
Mr Wash said the association believed there needed to be more MLAK-enabled facilities across Redlands and Australia.
People who need access to participating facilities can purchase a MLAK key through the Master Locksmiths Association, with the once-only cost potentially subsidised through the NDIS for eligible participants
