Works to start on Derrinallum public toilet project

Published on 30 April 2021

A high priority community project to replace Derrinallum’s public toilets will start Tuesday 11 May and finish in July.

The new toilet block will be constructed off site and installed on the site of the existing toilet in the town avenue.

Temporary public toilets will be available in the avenue while the project is underway.

The new facility has two separate male and female toilets, a unisex ambulant toilet, and a unisex accessible toilet with baby change table.

Mayor Ruth Gstrein said the condition of the existing toilet block and structural concerns warranted replacement.

“We did look at the option of refurbishing the existing building, but meeting today’s building requirements would have altered the building’s aesthetic significance to the extent that Council’s heritage advisor supported removing the building,” Cr Gstrein said.

She said that bricks from the existing building would be retained and used for landscaping and garden beds.

“We know the building has formed an important part of the avenue, so using the bricks in the surrounding landscape will help maintain that link to the old building.”

Mayor Gstrein said a plan had been put into place with the contractor to protect the avenue’s elms during works.

The $175,000 project is funded by the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LCRI) and Corangamite Shire.

North Ward Councillor Nick Cole thanked the Federal Government for its contribution. “New public toilets have been on the Derrinallum community’s wish list for some time, and identified in the Derrinallum Community Plan,” Cr Cole said.

“The Federal Government’s support has enabled Council to realise a lot of projects that are important to our communities and it’s great to see this type of investment in our northern communities.” [email protected]

Member for Wannon, Dan Tehan said the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program continues to support local jobs, businesses and boost the economy during COVID19.

“I commend Corangamite Shire Council in using this funding stream to improve the safety, accessibility, and amenity of the public toilets in Derrinallum,” said Mr Tehan.

“Public toilets are an essential public infrastructure for everyday living and will help support the Derrinallum community’s social and physical activities in and around the township. “The public toilets will improve the liveability and amenity of Derrinallum and further support recreational activities and tourism,” said Mr Tehan.