THE cost of providing Eurobodalla’s public toilets is ever increasing, according to a council review of facilities throughout the shire.
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The council undertook the review to ensure its provision of public toilets gave value for money and was in line with community expectations.
The council currently provides 66 public toilet facilities on council-owned land, Crown reserve, road reserves and in council-controlled buildings.
In the 2014-15 year, council budgeted $566,156 for operating and maintaining public toilets in the shire.
The cost has steadily increased over the past six years from $413,341 in 2008-09, largely due to vandalism and increased water usage.
A report presented to council earlier this month by general manager Catherine Dale stated the provision and maintenance of public toilets was highly ranked in terms of importance to residents in 2010 and 2012 surveys.
”The results of both surveys indicate that council should aim to improve its performance, in both the provision and maintenance of public toilets, to better meet the community’s expectations,” Dr Dale said.
Council’s own asset management reviews identified that “a number” of new toilet facilities will be required over the next five years.
However Dr Dale said there was scope to review the current number and location of public toilets that were under-utilised.
“There is an opportunity to continue to manage the increase in the operating costs through implementing vandalism prevention measures, exploring energy saving initiatives and installing water saving devices to reduce unnecessary usage and removal of identified toilet facilities,” she said.
“Council is already committed to implementing vandalism prevention measures into the design of any new toilet built… in recent years council has also implemented a number of water saving initiatives.”
Council also plans to install more efficient lights in toilets that need to be lit overnight, a measure expected to save about $3000 a year.
While the review was being undertaken, the council revised key performance indicators for toilet cleaning contracts to improve contractor and performance and accountability.
Eurobodalla toilets were also linked to a national toilet map on council’s website to assist residents and visitors to navigate their way around the shire, in particular for people with a disability.
