Upgrades urged

By Kath Gannaway
NEW toilets planned for Warburton can’t come soon enough according to regular visitors to the town.
Kerry Nicholas, in a letter to the Mail, described the toilets as “fairly awful” but George Biesel and wife Ursula were more critical saying the toilets were the worst in the shire.
Ms Nicholas called for a complete up-grade, which is, in fact, planned as part of the Shire of Yarra Ranges Public Toilet Strategy.
In the meantime, however, she said she would like to see a few basics such as toilet paper regularly topped up, and locks on the doors.
For tourists George and Ursula Biesel security was the major issue. “There’s a lot of loitering, especially on the weekends,” Mr Biesel said.
The toilets proposed as part of the Yarra Square redevelopment in Thomas Avenue will incorporate four unisex toilets and two disabled/family toilets which the shire’s manager of community relations James Martin said will address many of the issues raised not only by visitors but by the local community.
Mr Martin said the design aimed to provide a safer environment with the open structure designed to reduce loitering opportunities and hidden corners.
Mr Biesel was not impressed with plans for the unisex model, however.
“They were in use in Europe but were done away with 30 or 40 years ago,” he said. “It’s not necessary. People just don’t like them.”
Mr Martin defended the move, however, saying the unisex model was working well at Lilydale and that families in particular were pleased with the added safety provided.
Sustainability is another feature of the new toilets with a rainwater tank and water sensitive features part of the design.
He said the toilets are cleaned and restocked every day.
Work on the new Warburton toilets is expected to start within the next month.
The Healesville upgrade is still awaiting community consultation but it is expected a construction date will be announced within the next two to three weeks.