Accessible Australia Tranche 2

Funding recipients must be:

• government-owned entities, such as state and territory departments and local councils or
• not-for-profit organisations.

Funding can only be committed to state and territory governments in agreement with the Commonwealth. To be eligible for funding, the facility must be built or installed in a public space that is open to everyone.

Funding for commercial enterprises is out of scope.

• The organisation that receives the funding (e.g. LGA, organisation) must be government owned or not for profit. Funding for commercial enterprises is out of scope.
• The facility or amenity that is the subject of Commonwealth funding must be located within a public building, space, or facility that is open and available for use by the general public. This means that the building, space or facility is accessible to everyone. However, it may include an admission fee or other costs for entry.
• Accessible Australia funding is intended for enhancements or amenities beyond basic legal requirements. Jurisdictions should seek their own legal advice if they are unsure about the amenities and facilities they are obliged to fund before recommending proposals to the Commonwealth.

Accessible Australia will fund:

• fixed Changing Places toilet facilities
• portable Changing Places toilet facilities
• portable equipment for inclusive beaches (like beach wheelchairs, floating wheelchairs and accessible beach matting)
• portable amenities for inclusive national parks (like all-terrain wheelchairs and accessible paths)
• fixed inclusive play spaces (like liberty swings and all-access spinners).

Accessible Australia replaces the Changing Places initiative. It now includes more ways to make public spaces easier to use for people with disability.

All successful projects must commence within 12 months of receiving funding and be completed within 18 months of receiving funding.

The project should be started by 1 July 2026 and the project must be completed by 28 January 2028.

Funding

The Australian Government provides funding to successful applicants (via their state and territory government) for the Accessible Australia initiative.

This includes:

• up to 100% of the total build cost for:
  • inclusive beaches (up to $30,000)
  • inclusive national parks (up to $20,000)
  • portable Changing Places toilet facilities (up to $200,000)
• up to 50% of the total build cost for:
  • inclusive play spaces (up to $300,000 e.g. Commonwealth contribution $150,000)
  • fixed Changing Places toilet facilities (up to $250,000 e.g. Commonwealth contribution $125,000).

Applicants must demonstrate they can co contribute to Commonwealth funding amounts to complete their projects. 

The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) will facilitate the grants application process through Smarty Grants portal.

Applications must include detailed project quotes and a completed project plan template for each amenity.