Public toilets re-open following vandalism repairs

Fire damage to the disabled toilet at Saltwater Creek, Long Jetty

Central Coast Council has completed repair work on several public toilet blocks which were vandalised last month.

The senseless spree of vandalism forced the closure of some public and disabled toilets during the peak school holiday period, and required clean up and repairs, at a cost in the order of $15,000.

Council Director Infrastructure Services Boris Bolgoff said while it was pleasing that the public amenities havd been repaired and are now back functioning and open to the public, it has been disappointing those funds, which should be used for other community services, had to be spent on this repair work.

“The vandalism included fire damage, broken windows, graffiti, human faeces thrown throughout facilities and other breakages to toilets,” Bolgoff said.

“These mindless attacks cost ratepayers money, cost our staff time and disrupt the availability of these facilities for public and visitors on the Coast.”

The vandalised sites were: Gladstan Ave Long Jetty public toilets, due to fire damage; Saltwater Creek Long Jetty disabled toilets, due fire damage; Picnic Point The Entrance disabled toilet facility, due to fire damage; Wiles Ave Wamberal Beach public toilets due to broken glass throughout the facility; BATO Yard skate park Bateau Bay disabled toilets, due to graffiti; Mackenzie Reserve Budgewoi public toilet, due to faeces thrown throughout the facility; and the hot water outlet at San Remo public toilet, due to graffiti.

“We thank the community for their patience during the repair work and once again, call on them to help apprehend these vandals by reporting any witnessed anti-social behaviour or vandalism to police,” Bolgoff said.

Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or online at https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au

Please report any crimes in progress to Police by calling 000 (triple zero).

Community members can also report to Council damage to public toilets, sports facilities, community recreation spaces and facilities by calling customer service on 4306 7900, or via the online customer service centre.

Council Administrator Rik Hart said vandalism and damage of this type costs Council a significant amount each year.

“Vandalism is an issue of community concern that takes away much needed financial support from other services that Council can deliver for the Central Coast community,” he said.

“We want to reduce the level of vandalism in our community so that money can be used as intended – to deliver projects and services that our community need, want and value.

“Anyone with information of these incidents is encouraged to report it to the police.”

Source:
Central Coast Council