Not the dunny thing
The inner city contract works for Esk St cost $1,368,088. This figure includes the full construction, landscaping design and supervision costs.
Prior to the work being carried out in Esk St there was extensive public consultation and involvement as part of the decision making process.
At the time the work in Esk St occurred, there was no knowledge of the proposed HWCP development.
The potential impact of the proposed HWCP development on these works is not yet fully known, as consent for the project is still being considered. Well, well, well. I can’t believe what I read in The Southland Times (November 19): ‘‘Closure stink for toilets’’.
Not very many years ago the siting of the new toilets caused quite a lot of discussion with Te Anau ratepayers.
There was quite a lobby against the present location with most people favouring a more central location.
We were given assurances that the toilets would be self-funded, paid for by the user, despite what Kevin McNaught says in your article, and the council went ahead with the building.
The council also demolished a block of Eco Loos from the reserve area between the Mobil Garage and the former La Dolce Vita Restaurant in the centre of Te Anau, deeming them unnecessary.
Within 12 months of the new toilets opening Southland District Council employed consultants for advice as the toilets were not getting the patronage expected and running at a huge loss.
Surprise, surprise. People had to pay so they were going elsewhere.
Prior to the work being carried out in Esk St there was extensive public consultation and involvement as part of the decision making process.
The consultants advised SDC to remove the loo attendant and save 60 grand for starters, as the toilets had automatic ‘‘pay to open’’ doors for customers self-use. That advice is not rocket science. Pretty elementary.
I note that the article refers to Real Journeys passengers being the main tourists using the facility up until recently and that they have now moved on and made alternative arrangements for stopover.
Guess where to? The centre of town.
And now Southland District Council want to build new toilets there.
Well I for one will not be contributing one cent towards the new project and I am disappointed that monies received from the Government’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund are being considered for financing these works.
Pay back the ratepayers loan on the ‘‘lakefront’’ toilets first, and the Te Anau Manapouri Tourist Airport loan, before spending it on new projects.
And in closing let’s not forget that the SDC is contemplating a new office empire in Invercargill. What’s that going to cost us?
Alistair Paton-McDonald