Mangrove Mountain Public Toilets Upgrade up to 2 Years Away

The 2024 Public Toilet Strategy exhibited by the Central Coast Council did not include the public toilets at Mangrove Mountain. The Strategy followed on from an extensive consultant’s report by Conybeare Morrison International Pty Ltd (CM+) that looked at all toilets available to the public, including those at railway stations, shopping centres and other public spaces. CM+ identified that the Mangrove Mountain toilets do not meet the guidelines of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). The toilets, identified in the Council documents as ‘BL-0732 Waratah Road Public Toilet’, are classified as ‘General public toilets in remote areas’ with no recognition of how frequently they are used. The toilets continue to emit a foul persistent odour and leak effluent which stagnates in pools beside the facility. Such leaks not only breach basic hygiene standards but also pose significant public health risks, echoing concerns raised across Australia about the management of public sanitary infrastructure. This is a raw sewage leak. The approval and regulation of Onsite Wastewater Management Systems (OWMS) on land owned by the state or federal governments is managed by the relevant department and Minister, so perhaps we can call on our State Government MP’s and Ministers to look into this issue. There are several pieces of legislation and government guidelines that apply to this problem. The article outlines key provisions from the NSW Government Easy Septic Guide for high risk areas, noting requirements for regular checks in areas close to drinking water sources, oyster leases, rivers and wetlands. Septic system owners are responsible for ensuring drains and tanks don’t leak, getting things fixed, keeping the system well maintained, ensuring regular checks, getting the tank pumped when needed, maintaining the absorption field, complying with council requirements and paying fees. Meanwhile, the council is responsible for providing general services for environmental protection, helping people keep their septic systems working well, providing systematic management schemes, providing advice and contact information, regulating installation, operation and maintenance, conducting audits and inspections, and keeping a register of systems. The article also references the NSW Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 and the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, Office of Local Government, Onsite Wastewater Management Guidelines regarding waterless composting toilet system conditions. These standards and guidelines are applicable to all properties and toilet installations and Council is urged to consult the Community and replace the Mangrove Mountain Public toilets without delay.