The disabled toilet at Reid Park in Jamberoo is permanently locked, requiring users to obtain a key from the local IGA or Jamberoo pub.

Public disabled toilets are meant to provide dignity and accessibility, yet too often they are locked due to vandalism.

For people with disabilities, this creates an unnecessary barrier to accessing essential facilities

I recently covered Disabled Surfing Association event in Gerroa and the Kiama Lions Club’s support of the Australian Lions Club Mobility Foundation (LCMF).

These two very inspiring community events run by volunteers are dedicated to ensuring that disabled people have the best life they possibly can.

Their efforts highlight the need for public facilities that are not only available but genuinely accessible for those who need them.

While the MLAK (Master Locksmiths Access Key) system is designed to provide controlled access, requiring individuals to leave the location to fetch a key is impractical.

Rather than relying on outdated key-based access systems, councils could explore more modern solutions, such as digital access codes, QR-activated entry systems, or automated timed locks that allow for secure yet accessible use.

Councillor Erica Warren highlighted that

“Not every improvement needs to be costly. Technology and innovation are driving new possibilities for accessibility. The future is about making independence a reality for all.”

Ensuring disabled toilets are both available and easy to access is a fundamental issue of fairness.

“Councils and businesses that invest in accessibility are investing in people,” Cr Warren added. “It’s about creating environments where wheelchair users and others with mobility challenges can move with ease.”

Locked toilets, like the one in Reid Park, highlight the need for change. A mix of better technology, community involvement, and smart policy decisions could ensure that disabled toilets remain accessible, secure, and practical for those who rely on them.

Kiama and other local councils have an opportunity to rethink how disabled toilets are managed to strike a balance between accessibility and security.