Vandals shut toilet amenities at popular tourist spot

A $42,000 repair bill in the last eight months has forced Noosa Council to close an amenities block at Lions Park at night.

The latest incident happened last Friday night, where doors were smashed, a soap dispenser was ripped off the wall and several toilet lids destroyed.

Infrastructure Services Director Carl Billingham said such actions cost the community.

“It is frustrating that we have to put funds aside to fix this type of blatant destructive behaviour,” he said.

“Our maintenance crews had only just repaired damage from a previous incident,”

‘These toilets in Lions Park have been repaired three times in the last eight months and the total cost is in the vicinity of $42,000, “Mr Billingham said.

“At the end of the day, these acts are costing council and the community real money.”

Mr Billingham said the toilets would be closed from 9pm every night, in an effort to curb the senseless vandalism. The facilities will reopen at 5am daily.

Hastings Street Association Vice President Graham Bradford said the vandalism was disappointing as it is an amenity for visitors and residents alike.

“We understand that Council has no other option but to close the toilet block at night in the short term until we can discuss measures to deal with vandalism in the precinct,” he said/

Mr Billingham hoped CCTV footage would help track down the culprits.

“We are talking to the Police and it is hoped this latest incident was captured by the recently installed cameras.”

Mr Billingham urged anyone with information to contact local police.

19 November 2019