Councillors at Surf Coast Shire have voted to make bathrooms in the shire gender neutral through amendments to its Community Amenity Local Law.
The local law has been updated to allow people over six years of age to enter a Council toilet or facility that is signed for use by persons of a different gender.
Mayor Liz Pattison said she didn’t expect to see major changes in the way toilets and facilities are used.
“Toilet signage will remain the same, and there will still be a range of male, female and all-gender options across the shire.”
Mayor Pattison said the changes would promote inclusion and provide support for those fleeing family violence situations.
Not all councillors supported the changes, and a petition and nearly 90 submissions were received, with most objecting to the proposed direction.