General News
17 January, 2025
Hefty bill for vandalised toilets
The toilet facilities at the Station Domain playground will be closed for several weeks following repeated serious vandalism attacks during the Christmas and New Year period.
The interior has become unsafe for community use, with the facilities currently undergoing extensive refurbishment, expected to cost tens of thousands of dollars.
These repairs include a tile splash back, graffiti seal protection, repaint, new cement sheet for the walls and ceiling and new floor coving following fire damage.
These facilities are also undergoing installation of new signage, toilet, vanity, hand dryer, lighting and doors.
Central Goldfields Shire mayor Grace La Vella said it’s very upsetting to see these facilities damaged again.
“It’s been happening too often and it costs our community tens of thousands of dollars every year just to keep those facilities open for families, children, and the many tourists who enjoy that beautiful park,” she said.
Council’s general manager for infrastructure assets and planning Amber Ricks said CCTV hasn’t detered attacks in this community space.
“It’s been an ongoing problem at several sites and is very frustrating,” she said.
Ms Ricks said these facilities are expected to be re-opened in time for Australia Day and the community can report future attacks via a QR code.
“Last year our facilities maintenance team trialled a new fast track alert system using your phone and a QR code. It’s been a big success so we are rolling it out across the shire,” she said.
Council said the nearest facilities are on the Maryborough Railway Station platform or the Goldfields Shopping Centre.
Anyone with information on the damage to these facilities should contact council’s Customer Service Centre on 5461-0610, Maryborough Police on 5460-3300, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.