Stink at carpark pooper

A PUBLIC plopper has caused a stink in the busy Lake St tower carpark in Cairns with authorities installing new CCTV cameras to deter rogue defecators.

Readers notified the Cairns Post about the multistorey parking station’s stairwell being used as a latrine since its public toilets were locked in February as well as discarded needles and anti-social behaviour.

Roadside toilets adjacent to the carpark entry remain open 24 hours a day, but the stairwell and surrounds are still being regularly used as a dumping ground.

A spokeswoman said Cairns Regional Council was on top of the situation.

“Council is aware that some individuals have chosen to defecate in public areas rather than in the facilities provided,” she said. “This behaviour is not tolerated and regular security patrols have been occurring in the area.

“Cleaning has occurred as quickly as possible following any incident.”

CCTV monitoring has failed to identify the culprit but new cameras will be installed as part of a $2.94 million upgrade to the 1980s-built car park.

Construction contracts are due to be awarded at next week’s full council meeting, when details of the redevelopment and its time frame will be made public.

The toilets within the carpark will be converted to office space for council staff.

Cairns MP Rob Pyne acknowledged the carpark defecator had facilities available just near the structure’s entrance, but he also called on the council to outline plans for more 24-hour public toilets.