Council’s plan to invest $36.7M in public toilets

Central Coast Council estimates that over the next 20 years there will be 79 public toilets in need of renewal at an estimated cost of $27.5M and on top of that another $9.2M for 27 new public toilet blocks.

The detail is wrapped up in the draft Public Toilet Strategy which is now open for public comment on Council’s website Your Voice Our Coast.

Council Director Infrastructure Services Boris Bolgoff said the draft Strategy outlined Council’s vision for a comprehensive network of public toilets across the Central Coast that met the needs of residents and visitors.

“This Strategy is an important document that will guide Council’s investment in public toilet infrastructure for the next 22 years,” he said.

“It outlines a long-term plan for renewals, new builds and demolitions/ rationalisations, ensuring our network of 212 public toilets meets the evolving needs of the community and reflects best practices in the industry.”

The Strategy identifies 79 public toilets in need of renewal, with an estimated investment of $27.5M over the next two decades.

 Additionally, it proposes the construction of 27 new public toilets at an estimated cost of $9.2M in areas experiencing population growth or gaps in existing coverage.

It also includes plans for demolishing/rationalising 11 existing facilities, primarily due to redundancy or proximity to new builds.

In essence, it is proposed to increase the total facilities
by 16.

Key considerations in the draft Strategy include: prioritisation of public safety through Safer by Design principles; implementation of S.M.A.R.T. principles to optimise designs, construction, maintenance, operation, usability and use of technology; development of a standardised public toilet design for ease of maintenance, construction and identification; and alignment with Council’s Long-Term Financial Plan and commitment to responsible resource management.

Council Administrator Rik Hart said community input was important in shaping the final strategy.

“The draft Public Toilet Strategy has been informed by extensive consultation with community groups, sporting organisations, disability advocates and tourism representatives,” he said.
“We value the community’s perspective and encourage everyone to have their say on the draft Strategy to ensure our public toilet network serves the needs of our growing community and thriving tourism industry.”

The draft Public Toilet Strategy is on public exhibition and open for feedback on Council’s YVOC engagement platform  until Friday, October 25.