At least four new public toilets could be built across Brimbank in answer to increased demand in the municipality.
During a 2016 review of Brimbank’s parks, the community was asked what it would like to see improved – 16 per cent of respondents said they would like more public toilets.
The council last week endorsed its Draft Public Toilet Strategy 2018-30 for community consultation, which outlines a plan to provide “a fair and even distribution” of toilets in parks and public places.
The strategy includes an assessment of Brimbank’s suburban parks and activity centres to determine where new or upgraded public toilets are urgently needed and should be provided within the next four years, subject to budget approval.
These include Green Gully Reserve (Keilor Downs), Balmoral Park (Derrimut), Glengala village (Sunshine) and Delahey Reserve.
The report states that each new or upgraded facility, with two cubicles, would cost between $400,000-$500,000 to install, with annual operating costs of about $14,000.
Brimbank mayor Margaret Giudice said while there was a need for more facilities it had to be balanced against the cost of installing and maintaining them.
“As a community-first council we have heard your call to provide more public toilets across Brimbank,” she said.
“We also recognise that keeping public toilets clean and well-maintained is critical – and council is committed to ongoing upkeep and monitoring of public toilets.
“Importantly, this draft strategy also recommends that public toilets be designed to cater for people with all abilities, and meet our community’s diverse social, physical, cultural and gender needs.”
Five new public toilets have been installed across Brimbank since 2008.
The draft policy will be open for consultation until June 15 at www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay
