Showers & Toilets

Free Toilets & Showers For Temporary Accomodation

Thanks to the generous donations made to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund, free portable toilets and shower units will be available to bushfire-affected property owners living in temporary accommodation on their land.

VBRRA will oversee the hire, installation and management of the amenities which will be available to people who are living in temporary accommodation on the property where their principal place of residence was destroyed in the 2009 fires.

Portable single toilet and shower units will be fully installed at no cost to property owners, although the ongoing cost of consumables such as gas refills and water supply will be the responsibility of the property owner.

Grocon, who were contracted by the Victorian and Commonwealth governments to undertake the bushfire clean up, will continue their work in affected communities by assisting with project coordination in the rollout of this initiative.

Below are some images of temporary toilets and showers. Please note, these are sample representations and actual units supplied may vary.

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Registration

Register now or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.

If you have registered for the clean up program you can use the same log in details for the toilet and shower scheme. Property owners who did not previously register for clean-up can still register for free toilets and showers.

The Australian Taxation Office has advised VBRRA that we are unable to reimburse or take over existing contracts to hire showers and toilets.

If you are already hiring a toilet or shower on your property you may still be eligible for this scheme. We encourage you to register for this service and depending on the circumstances VBRRA may be able to replace your existing units.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for toilets/showers?
People whose principal place of residence was destroyed in the 2009 bushfires. Eligible property owners must be currently living in temporary accommodation on their land.

What counts as ‘temporary accommodation’?
Temporary accommodation in this case means a non-permanent structure such as a tent, caravan or shed which you are living in on your block.

What if my home was partially destroyed/damaged and I don’t have access to a toilet or shower?
Your principal place of residence must have been destroyed in the fires for you to be eligible.

I am not living on my block, but I plan to later on. Am I eligible?
You will be eligible once you are living on your block. You can register now by visiting the VBRRA website www.wewillrebuild.vic.gov.au or by calling the Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.

I am living part-time on my block. Am I still eligible?
If you are staying overnight in temporary accommodation on your block for at least two nights every week you may be eligible for the scheme, and you are encouraged to register. In the first instance, priority in supplying toilets and showers will be given to those who are living full time on their blocks.

What if I am already hiring a toilet or shower?
The Australian Taxation Office has advised VBRRA that we are unable to reimburse or take over existing contracts to hire showers and toilets.

How long do I have to wait for my toilet or shower?
As a result of the high take-up of the scheme and the relatively low availability, we are required to get these units specially manufactured for this service. This is resulting in some delay in provision.

Grocon will contact you to advise of expected delivery dates.

How do I apply to get a toilet/shower on my block?
The same register that was used to register for the clean up is being used. You can log back on to the register using your existing username and password and follow the prompt to request a toilet and shower. If you have not already registered visit the VBRRA website www.wewillrebuild.vic.gov.au or call the Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.

I have forgotten my username and password. What do I do?
If you have forgotten your password, you can use the “reset password” function on the website. If you have forgotten your username, please contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Hotline for assistance.

What if I don’t need both a toilet and shower?
When you register, you can choose to request either or both of a toilet and a shower.

What type of toilet and shower will be provided? What do they look like?

The toilets and showers provided are basic facilities similar to those you might see on home construction sites. A picture of a typical toilet and shower can be seen on the website.

What will I get if I apply?
A fully installed standard single-cubicle toilet and separate single-cubicle shower will be provided.

Do I have to meet any costs associated with the ongoing operation of the toilet/shower?
The toilet and shower will be installed and commissioned at no cost to you. The cost of rental will also be covered. Payments for maintenance call outs may be applicable if they are not a result of defects in the equipment.

Who will be responsible for the units while they are on my property?
You will be required to assume responsibility for the units, in the same way as if you were hiring them yourself. Your responsibilities will be set out in the order form which you will be asked to sign prior to delivery of the units.

Who will maintain the service?
You will be provided with contact details for maintenance prior to delivery of the units. You may be required to pay for maintenance visits if they are not a result of defects of the equipment.

Who owns the units?
The units will be rented and will continue to be the property of the companies from whom they are hired.

Do I have to deal directly with the toilet/shower supplier?
Grocon will deal with the supplier to make all the arrangements for delivery of the toilet and shower.

Can I make my own arrangements or do I have to go through a preferred supplier?
Once you register for the scheme, Grocon will make the necessary arrangements with suppliers. If you make your own arrangements before you register, you may be ineligible to participate in this scheme.

How long do I get the toilet/shower for?
Your toilet and shower will be provided until July 2010. The exact dates will be advised at the time of installation of your toilet and shower.

Will I be able to access the units if I am in a wheelchair?
The standard units are not wheelchair accessible. If you are eligible for the scheme and have special access needs, please note them in the “comments” section of the registration form.

Can I choose the location on my property where I want the service?
The location will be influenced by a range of factors, including access and the location of water supply. If you have a preference, this will also be taken into account.

What if I haven’t registered for the clean up but want this service?
Please go to the VBRRA website under the ‘toilets and showers’ section at www.wewillrebuild.vic.gov.au or call the Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 and register to request a toilet and shower.

Do I need council approval to install the toilet/shower?
VBRRA and Grocon will be responsible for liaison with councils on this scheme.

My house will take longer than 12 months to re-build and I want to live on my block in the meantime. Can I have the service extended beyond this period?
You will have the option to extend the hire at your own expense once the free hire period expires in July 2010.

Who do I contact if something goes wrong?
You will be provided with these details at the time of delivery of your toilet and shower.

How many people are expected to take up this initiative?
Several hundred toilets and showers are expected to be supplied under this scheme.