VANDALS have damaged the public toilets at the All Abilities Play Space in Mill Park, leaving families and people with disabilities without vital facilities.
The extensive damage, totalling more than $50,000, has impacted all public toilets at the park, including the Changing Places facility, which is utilised by people with high-support needs.
Damages to the Changing Places toilet include smashed mirrors, the main door being forcibily removed and major impairments of the electrical equipment including the tracking hoist which helps those with limited mobility move around the bathroom.
City of Whittlesea Mayor Councillor Lawrie Cox said: “Vandalism has no place in our community.”
“When our parks and playgrounds are deliberately damaged, it affects every resident or visitor who relies on these facilities when out in the community.
“This kind of behaviour shows a blatant disrespect for much-needed public facilities, costing the Council, and ultimately the community.”
Due to the extent of the damage caused, the council said it has no choice but to close the toilet facilities while urgent repair work is undertaken.
“It’s time we called out this senseless behaviour for what it is – selfish, unacceptable and a waste of public money,” Cr Cox said.
“Our crews are working to repair the toilets and to reopen them for public use as quickly as possible. We thank you for your patience and understanding while these works are carried out.”
Changing Places facilities are larger than standard accessible toilets and are fitted with a height adjustable adult-sized change table, a shower and enough space for two people either side of a peninsula toilet.
There are less than 200 of these vital facilities statewide, which offer those with high support needs a chance to participate in all elements of community life without being concerned about being able to access a suitable toilet.
Council is urging anyone with information on the damage to contact Victoria Police.
Police told the Review it is investigating criminal damage at the All Abilities Play Space in Mill Park.
Investigators have been told offender/s caused extensive damage to the toilet block at the playground off Morang Drive sometime between May 2 and 11.
Police said it is estimated the damage caused is worth about $45,000.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at /roxen-files/print/images/magic-dash.png "Trail of destruction 2"){kind=small}
www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
