A NEW strategy to guide the future of public toilets across the City of Whittlesea was the subject of discussion and debate at the April council meeting, with councillors ultimately voting to open the draft plan for another round of community consultation.
During the meeting, councillors considered the updated Public Toilet Plan, which replaces the municipality’s 2019 strategy. The draft has been shaped by research, earlier community input and engagement with key user groups.
Following discussion, councillors voted to proceed with a further consultation phase to capture final feedback from residents, workers and visitors before the plan is finalised.
The council currently manages close to 50 public toilet facilities located in parks, playgrounds, reserves, community centres and other public spaces across the municipality.
Councillors noted during the meeting the importance of providing safe, clean and accessible amenities, highlighting their role in ensuring people of all ages, abilities and genders can confidently access public spaces.
The draft plan outlines a framework to guide future investment and decision-making, including how upgrades and new facilities are prioritised. It also proposes a service hierarchy to determine the level of provision at different locations, such as the number and type of cubicles based on expected use.
In addition, the plan incorporates a gender impact assessment aimed at ensuring facilities meet best practice standards and comply with legislative requirements.
The consultation period, endorsed by councillors at the April meeting, will run from April 24 to May 10. Feedback gathered during this time will inform the final version of the plan, which is expected to be presented to councillors for consideration at a June council meeting.
