Council urged to reconsider toilet block demolition plan

Central Coast Councillor Corinne Lamont has called on Council staff to meet with Bateau Bay residents and Blue Lagoon Resort representatives to investigate options for repairing and upgrading a toilet block at Blue Lagoon Reserve slated for demolition.

Councillors Corinne Lamont and Margot Castles met with Bateau Bay residents last week to discuss their concerns over plans to demolish the toilet block under the Council’s Central Coast Public Toilet Strategy.

A resident group Save Our Stairs (SOS), which formed to fight for new access stairs to the reserve after Council demolished the existing stairs earlier this year deeming them unsafe, is calling on Council to reconsider plans to demolish the toilet block.

Following SOS’s successful campaign, Council agreed to apply for a State Government grant for funding to go towards constructing new stainless steel access stairs which should be finished next year.

The group was astounded to then learn the toilet block at the reserve could be demolished with one reason being poor access to the reserve.

“We were very grateful for the councillors’ interest and for listening to us share the background of the reserve and how much locals have missed using it,” committee member Lee Mowbray said.

“We appreciated being able to point out the toilet block, where the new stairs will be built and other features of the reserve.

“The committee looks forward to the Council’s continued support in addressing their concerns about the demolition of the toilet block.”

Lamont has written to Council staff regarding the residents’ concerns.

“I fully agree with their concerns,” she said.

“The rationale for demolition, as outlined in the strategy, seems to overlook the unique needs of the reserve and its users.

“Given the significant community concern, I wanted to formally raise the issue with Council and request further discussion to consider alternative actions to demolishing the toilets at the reserve.

“The local community, along with the owners of the Blue Lagoon Caravan Park, are eager to explore options with Council to either repair or upgrade the existing toilet block rather than proceed with demolition.

“Once the stairs are repaired the reserve will again become a popular central beach hub for local families and visitors, and access to public toilets is essential.

“The other toilet facilities located at Shelly Beach are simply not close enough, nor easily accessible for people, particularly those with young children, the elderly, or those with mobility impairments.

“Having toilets on-site is a critical component of the reserve’s ongoing usability.

“The current toilet block is well-positioned for its intended purpose, and with some investment in repairs or upgrades, it could continue to serve the community for many years to come.

“I look forward to Council working together with the community and stakeholders to find a solution that meets the needs of our community and supports the broader goals of Central Coast Council,” Lamont said.