Email sent to The Tasmania Department of State Growth on 13.04.26
To whom it may concern,
I am writing regarding the Northern Suburbs Community Recreation Hub in Mowbray, a project delivered by the Department of State Growth.
I seek clarification regarding the design decision to implement exclusively all-gender toilets and changerooms within the facility, without provision for single-sex spaces.
I would be grateful if you could provide information on the following:
- Which entity or decision-making body approved the final design of the toilet and changeroom facilities
- Whether any safeguarding, risk, or impact assessment was conducted in relation to the removal of sex-separated facilities, particularly in a setting used by children and families
- Whether alternative design options, including the retention of female-only and male-only facilities alongside all-gender options, were considered
- What standards, guidelines, or policies informed the final design decision
- Whether the Department has a broader policy position regarding the use of all-gender facilities in public recreational infrastructure
This is a matter of significant public interest, particularly given the scale of public investment in the facility and its role as a high-use community venue.
I would appreciate your response within a reasonable timeframe. I am also happy to engage further if clarification is required.
Kind regards,
Dr. Elizabeth Caballero
Retired General Practitioner
President | Women Speak Tasmania
Acknowledgement from the Department on 13.04.26
Thank you for your email to the Tasmanian Government Department of State Growth.
Your enquiry has been referred to the appropriate business area within the department for consideration.
If your enquiry is a matter for another Tasmanian Government agency we will endeavour to refer it to the appropriate organisation for consideration and will advise you accordingly.
If your enquiry is best directed to a non-Tasmanian Government organisation we will advise you of this.
Northern Suburbs Community Recreation Hub – Site Tour and Discussion on All-Gender Amenities
On 13 May 2026, we received a phone call from Catherine of the Department of State Growth. She advised that Alex Barber, Director of the Major Infrastructure Projects Branch within Infrastructure Tasmania, would meet us at the Northern Suburbs Community Recreation Hub entrance on 29 May 2026.
Mr Barber was scheduled to conduct a guided tour of the facility and discuss the design and operation of the all-gender amenities. The tour included representatives from Women Speak Tasmania.