The public toilet blocks in Coronation Park and Victoria Park have been repeatedly vandalised the last two months costing the Council thousands.
Director of Infrastructure and Assets, James Dugdell, said that Council had been working closely with police to catch those responsible.
“The clean-up and replacement of damaged amenities is costing us a significant amount of money, which could be better spent on other public assets and amenities,” Mr Dugdell said.
“We are urging anyone in the community to report any suspicious activity to the police.”
Damages have been varied and expensive with mixer taps broken off, disabled toilet seats broken, towel and soap dispensers ripped off the wall, hand driers smashed, doors broken, and water pipes damaged.
Several things were wrapped in toilet paper and set on fire on different occasions.
One evening in Victoria Park all the ladies’ toilets and sinks were filled with mud, sticks and toilet paper.
The baby change room in Coronation Park has been closed since October 12 when the sink was filled with kindling and the plastic drain pipes underneath were set on fire along with the two towel dispensers that were ripped off the wall and set alight.
In September alone there were over 16 counts of vandalism across the two parks, nine in October and most recently one on Friday, November 5 when the ladies’ toilets were trashed again.
Usually, the damage occurs between 6am and 6pm as Coronation Park’s amenities are locked at night but Victoria Park’s toilets are open 24/7.
Council has estimated that it has cost thousands of dollars in cleaning fees and asset replacement due to the continual damage of the toilets.
Currently, there are no plans to install cameras.
“At this stage, we would not like to disadvantage the community by locking all facilities, however, this may become a consideration if damage continues,” a Council spokesperson said.
By Brianna O’Rourke
