Vandals stealing copper wire forced closure of five public toilets across the Macedon Ranges last week as another tourist-centric toilet was closed over lease concerns.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council reported closure of toilets at Sankey Reserve (Gisborne), Ross Watt Reserve (New Gisborne), Stanley Park (Macedon), Campaspe Park (Woodend) and Kyneton Botanic Gardens following significant vandalism overnight last Tuesday.
Copper water pipes were stolen from the sites, which resulted in the mains water supply being cut off.
Council’s director of assets and operations, Dom Testoni, said the vandalism and theft was “hugely disappointing” and costly.
“Not only will they result in unnecessary costs to council, but they forced the closure of valuable public services while repairs are carried out,” he said.
“We swiftly engaged contractors to assess the damage and repairs needed. Most of the toilets were able to be fixed and reopened within a few days. We’re yet unsure of expected costs, but it could potentially run into the thousands of dollars.”
It is not the first time public toilets have been vandalised, with residents reporting several recent incidents at Kyneton Mechanics Reserve’s public toilets.
“Broadly, vandalism in public toilets has remained a persistent issue in recent years, with incidents occurring, on average, every two weeks and varying in severity. Generally, toilets located within the centre of townships are the most vulnerable,” Mr Testoni said.
“We will continue to work closely with Victoria Police to address vandalism across the shire. We have improved public lighting in and around facilities, but will continue to explore measures such as improved design, lighting and monitoring, to ensure our facilities remain safe, clean and accessible for all residents and visitors.”
PIPER STREET TOILET CLOSURE
In the same week of the vandalism, the council announced the closure of toilets on the corner of Piper and Ebden streets Kyneton, nearby the former Duck Duck Goose and Larder.
The toilets have long served the busy Piper Street that is a tourist attraction for shopping and dining opportunities, but the council said the cost to keep them open had increased.
Now business owners and residents are calling for the council to justify its actions and reconsider the move.
Piper Street business owner Donna Carlson said she was baffled by the council’s decision that “completely overlooks the needs of tourists and visitors to the town”.
“I think it is imperative to renegotiate the terms with the owner,” she said.
Art On Piper’s Elizabeth Harvey said the toilet closure contravened council’s Public Toilet and Barbecue Strategy by not prioritising facilities at tourist attractions and high-activity areas. She said removal criteria for the toilets were also not met.
“This facility serves exactly the type of high-traffic commercial/tourist location that the strategy identifies as requiring public toilet provision,” she said.
“Without easily accessible alternatives nearby, this closure would abandon the council’s commitment to “fair and equitable access” and undermine both local business viability and tourism in Kyneton’s historic town centre.”
Mr Testoni acknowledged disappointment over the council’s decision to the close the Piper Street toilets but said it “was a decision not taken lightly”.
He explained the public toilet arrangement for Piper Street was unique and the arrangement was no longer sustainable due to cost increases.
“In 2006, when council sold the Piper Street site, a clause was negotiated for council to lease back and maintain the toilets for public use, and recurring lease agreements have been in place since this time,” he said.
“However, with the lease fee cost to council proposed to significantly increase, it means that council continuing to lease the toilets was no longer sustainable. This lease was under consideration prior to the adjoining business suddenly closing, which the council was made aware of earlier this year.”
Mr Testoni said consideration was given to best use of ratepayer funds and availability of five alternative public toilets nearby. Toilets within 500 metres are located at Hutton Street and at Kyneton Showgrounds.
He said Kyneton’s Hutton Street public toilets – one of several within 500 metres of the former Piper Street toilets – would soon benefit from a $270,000 upgrade as part of a building renewal program.
“Council’s decision does not prevent the Piper Street toilets from being reopened in the future for private use, if current landowners or future businesses choose to do so,” Mr Testoni said.
“Businesses who do not have their own toilet facilities are encouraged to direct visitors to the other nearby public toilets, as listed on council’s website.”
Anyone with information on the vandalism and copper wire theft at the toilets is urged to contact Police Assistance Line on 13 14 44 or Crimestoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or online via: crimestoppersvic.com.au
