Strategy proposal for public conveniences

Published on 26 October 2018

Strategy proposal for public conveniences

Colac Otway Shire Council plans to develop a public conveniences strategy to tackle the current inadequacy of toilets across the shire and future needs.

Responding to ongoing concerns of residents and visitors, Council proposes to look at the number and condition of toilets in the shire, both council-owned and facilities managed by other agencies.

Cr Chris Potter, who raised the issue to Council, said the strategy would be subject to funding through the mid-year budget review but Council understands the need to address the issue.

“It’s not just about council-managed toilets such as the Memorial Square toilets in Colac which Council already plans to upgrade,” Cr Potter said. 

“The strategy could also look at toilets along the coast which are managed by Otway Coast Committee or Parks Victoria so we have a big picture of what facilities are available and what needs to be done.

“Council wants to start planning for where and what facilities will be needed in the future to meet the needs of a growing population and increasing number of visitors.

“The proposed strategy would be linked to Council’s long-term financial plan to ensure there is funding to support the strategy and improve public conveniences across the shire.

“But a well-developed strategy would also put us in a better position to attract state or federal funding to help deliver the facilities that the Colac Otway community and visitors to our shire need now and in years to come,” he said.

“Cost recovery is another consideration the strategy could address, along with specific environmental issues across the shire and how Council could use innovative design and technology to deliver quality facilities.”

Cr Potter said the first step would be looking at the list of existing facilities and determining the condition of each public convenience before considering funding options for the strategy.