Council defends decision to remove toilet block

Central Coast Council has defended its decision to remove a public toilet block at Long Jetty before a new one was built.

Bateau Bay resident Philip Morrison criticised the Council’s decision to remove the toilets in Tuggerah Pde, opposite Gladstone St, in a busy and popular part of the Long Jetty foreshore.

“Anyone with decent management skills would have ensured a temporary one was available or that replacement works would start on the day demolition was completed,” Morrison said.

“I can only hope with the new councillors that things will improve.”

A Council spokesperson said the Council was currently undertaking a significant public amenity renewal program in Long Jetty, including replacing the toilets located on Tuggerah Pde.

Council has recently completed the renewal of the Archbald Rd public toilets in Long Jetty as part of the program.

 “The Long Jetty precinct has a number of public toilet blocks in close proximity, which was a consideration in Council’s renewal program,” the spokesperson said.

“This enabled Council to renew a facility, while still ensuring the availability of other local public toilet blocks for use without the need to provide temporary toilets.”

The spokesperson said there were four other public toilet blocks in close proximity to this location, two just over a kilometre away and two 600m walk away. 

Signage indicating both the direction and distance to the nearest alternative toilet block is fixed on the temporary fencing at the toilets currently being renewed.

She said it was anticipated the renewal works would be completed and available for community use in early November. 

“We apologise for any inconvenience during the important renewal work and thank the community for their patience,” she said.