New Boonooroo public toilets proposed for Davies Rd

Public outcry over the closure of the public toilets at Boonooroo appeared to reach the ears of Fraser Coast councillors this week when the council voted to consult with residents and nearby property owners. Read the latest:

Public outcry over the closure of the public toilets at Boonooroo appeared to reach the ears of Fraser Coast councillors this week when the council voted to consult with residents and nearby property owners over possible new toilets on Davies Rd.

When the toilets were closed on July 15, 2022, some Boonooroo residents were not impressed, and voiced their fears and concerns about what the loss meant for their community, tourists and boaties.

At Wednesday’s council meeting, held at the Toogoom Community Hall, Division 4 councillor Daniel Sanderson moved that the council consult with residents and nearby property owners to determine the demand and support for new public toilets on council-owned land on Davies Rd.

He also asked that a report be prepared on the estimated cost of making the public toilets at the Boonooroo Sports and Recreation Grounds disability compliant.

Ann-Maree Macdonald (right) and other Boonooroo residents at the decommissioned public toilet block.

Mr Sanderson told councillors that consulting with residents and nearby property owners was the right step in achieving a “positive outcome” for the Boonooroo community.

Mr Sanderson said he “honourably” disagreed with the original officer’s recommendation of waiting 12 months to analyse the demand for a new toilet in the area, as he would like to see it determined in the next three months if possible.

“We’re working with the community, for the community,” he said.

Mr Sanderson also presented a petition to councillors at the meeting with 20 signatures collected by Boonooroo resident Ann-Maree Macdonald, who has publicly decried the toilet closure.

Councillor Daniel Sanderson moved an amended motion that Fraser Coast Regional Council consult with residents and nearby property owners to determine the demand and support for a new public toilet at council-owned land on Davies Road, Boonooroo. Photo: Cody Fox

Mr Sanderson proposed a new public toilet block could be located at 13-15 Davies Rd, Boonooroo.

According to the report before council, those lots were vacant.

If the site was to be “deemed suitable” for a public toilet block, the report proposed a “unisex, single cubicle, accessible toilet” be built.

The toilet would also operate on a septic tank system as there were no sewage connections at the site.

To build the proposed public toilets on Davies Rd, the total cost would be about $120,000, which would include design, approvals and construction.

The report outlined the “impact on the operational budget will be neutral, as the existing public amenity at Boonooroo Point will not require servicing, given its planned demolition”.

A proposed alternate location for the Boonooroo public toilet block. Photo: Fraser Coast Regional Council.

Mr Sanderson said councillors were “committed to providing good public toilets across the whole region”.

“My hope is we can gain community feedback that’s positive after completing consultations soon,” he said.

Mr Sanderson said he would continue to advocate for the “best possible outcome” for the Boonooroo community.

“I won’t allow for it to be flushed away, if that’s the word, until we achieve a positive outcome for everyone,” he said.

Councillor Jade Wellings and Deputy Mayor Paul Truscott spoke in support of Cr Sanderson’s motion.

Ms Wellings commended Mr Sanderson for “fighting so hard” for the Boonooroo community regarding the toilets, highlighting the flack the division four councillor received on social media about the issue.

Councillors voted unanimously in support of Mr Sanderson’s motion.