Lack of public toilets in Sydney’s CBD prompts action from City of Sydney council

‘When you’ve gotta go, you’ve gotta go’ – a phrase used too often by people in Sydney’s CBD who are unable to find a public toilet late at night. Finally, there’s a plan to fix the busting issue.

Deputy Lord Mayor Zann Maxwell raised the issue at the City of Sydney council. Picture: Damian Shaw / City of Sydney

Limited public toilets across Sydney’s CBD are forcing night-time revellers to seek unhygienic and “informal alternatives”.

The smelly issue has prompted a push for more public loos across the city, which has been approved by City of Sydney council.

It coincides with councils move to support special entertainment precincts this week with plans to allow inner-city areas to extend trading hours.

The toilets will be built in and around these precincts to accommodate night-time visitors, support the vibrant 24/7 city vision and decrease public urination.

At the council meeting this week, Deputy Lord Mayor Zann Maxwell said the lack of public toilets contributed to public hygiene issues.

Council is searching for places to put more public toilet blocks.

Public urination is a common sight across Sydney CBD.

Mr Zann said there were no public toilets within a five-minute walk along King St, Newtown with visitors to the popular strip unable to use public venue bathrooms after hours.

“I understand there’s nowhere on that route for people to go and they sometimes have to find informal alternatives,” he said.

Mr Zann said the limited number of accessible public toilets late at night could increased public disturbances and inconvenience local residents, which undermined community support for special entertainment precincts.

Lord Mayor Clover Mooresaid after many years of dealing with complaints, she had never heard of these incidents being referred to as “‘informal alternatives”.

Lord mayor Clover Moore. Picture: NewsWire/ Monique Harmer

Zann Maxwell raised the issue at this week’s council meeting.

The council will investigate suitable land for more public toilets and assess which toilet blocks should stay open overnight or have extended operating hours.

By 2030, the council is working toward acquiring a night-time economy with a focus on people over the age of 40 rather than mostly young people out drinking.

Council are encouraging retailers and attractions to remain open late.

The strategy aims to double the city’s night-time turnover to $30 billion, increase night-time employment by 25 per cent to 100,000 jobs and enhance night-life options for visitors.

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