Vandalism spree

closes several public toilets

Several Central Coast Council community spaces and facilities have been the target of a senseless spree of vandalism over the weekend - forcing the closure of some public and disabled toilets during the peak school holiday period and requiring expensive clean up and repairs.

5 July 2023

 

COUNCIL Director of Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff said that seven public toilet amenities were vandalised over the weekend with three requiring temporary closure due to fire damage.

 

“Council staff have already assessed, cleaned up and re-opened some of the facilities, however some public toilets located at The Entrance and Long Jetty were so badly damaged that sections of the facilities will be temporarily closed until the extensive repair work can be undertaken,” Mr Bolgoff said.

 

Vandalised public toilets which are temporarily closed include:

 

• Gladstan Ave, Long Jetty public toilets due to fire damage.

 

• Saltwater Creek, Long Jetty disabled toilets due fire damage.

 

• Picnic Point, The Entrance disabled toilet facility due to fire damage.

 

Vandalised spaces, which are open include:

 

• Wiles Ave, Wamberal Beach public toilets. Glass was broken and throughout the facility.

 

• BATO Yard skate park, Bateau Bay disabled toilets. Graffiti throughout the facility.

 

• Mackenzie Reserve, Budgewoi public toilet facility. Faeces thrown throughout the facility.

 

• Hot Water Outlet, San Remo public toilet. Graffiti throughout the facility.

 

“When Council’s facilities are targeted the community is disadvantaged, not only from the closure of the facility and reduced aesthetics of the area, but also from the diversion of Council funds from community projects to clean and repair the damage," said Mr Bolgoff.

 

“These mindless attacks cost rate payers money, cost our staff time and disrupt the public and visitors during these school holidays from using our facilities.

 

“We are calling on the community to help apprehend these vandals and report any witnessed anti-social behaviour or vandalism to Police.”

 

Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact Police Crime Stopper by calling 1800 333 000 or online. Please report any crimes in progress to Police by calling 000 (triple zero).

 

Community members can report to Council any damage to public toilets, sports facilities, community recreation spaces and facilities by calling customer service on 4306 7900, or via Council's online customer service centre.

 

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said vandalism and damage of this type costs Council a significant amount each year.

 

“The cost to Council to repair this latest damage is estimated to be $20,000,” Mr Hart said.

 

“Vandalism is an issue of community concern that takes away much needed financial support from other services that Council can deliver for the Central Coast community.

 

“We want to reduce the level of vandalism in our community so that money can be used as intended – to deliver projects and services that our community need, want and value.”

 

“Anyone with information of these incidents is encouraged to report it to the Police”.