‘ Eyesore’ a public cost
RATEPAYERS are footing the bill for a donga of dunnies that has been labelled an ageing “eyesore” on the picturesque Horseshoe Bay tourist strip.
For six years Townsville City Council has forked out $ 6500 per annum to rent a demountable toilet block located on Pacific Drive, costing $ 39,000 to the public purse.
The previous 50- year- old facility was destroyed by tidal surge from Cyclone Yasi in February 2011.
Townsville City Councillor Ann Maree Greaney said the hold- up had been stakeholders unable to agree on a new location – one that was not affected by erosion or is blocking views.
“Even though there have been myriad complications, it has taken too long and it’s high time everyone agreed on a solution and got on with it,” she said.
Magnetic Island Residents & Ratepayers Association member Julie Carmody said she had seen two sets of plans in six years, but still no suitable solution had been presented to the community. In the meantime they’re stuck with an “eyesore”.
“The demountable building has reached its expiry date. It’s tatty and old, we want a more pleasing, permanent building that fits with the island look and meets the needs of tourists who participate in five commercial watersport operations that run there,” she said.
Restaurant and cafe owners on the beachfront agree the structure is a “blight” that’s marring the waterfront views.
“No only does it look tacky, but after six years it smells really bad,” Adrian Dall’Oste, owner of Adele’s Cafe, said. “Private contractors do clean the toilets every day, but the smell has seeped into the building.”
Mr Dall’Oste said the amenities – which offered no changing rooms or private showers – were not meeting the needs of the popular beachfront area.
“What you get are people changing on the beach ... people deserve their privacy,” he said.
The council has identified the boat ramp carpark as the best alternative location with staff now investigating that option.
LNP candidate for Townsville Casie Scott, who recently met with locals over the issue, said the wait was “an absolute joke” and the ongoing costs “unacceptable”.
“It’s a waste of ratepayer dollars to hire a demountable amenities facility that is ugly and dysfunctional, when a permanent facility was offered so long ago,” she said.