Extra screens for urinals

THE Gold Coast council – underfire for a $400,000 public toilet with exposed open-air urinals – has committed to improving the privacy for males.

Asked yesterday if the council had decided to boost screening for the hi-tech popup loo in the heart of Surfers Paradise, a spokesman said: “Yes, additional screening is being designed to augment the existing screens. The cost is expected to be minimal. Designs and timeframe are still being determined.”

The toilet, which also has one fully-enclosed female bay and is operational from 11pm to 4am, was launched last Friday to howls of criticism.

Local traders, Surfers MP John-Paul Langbroek and Federal Tourism Minister Steve Ciobo all labelled it an embarrassment.