The Lilyponds Park has long been a focal point for our community. The recent partial collapse of the toilet shafts has brought into sharp focus this long-standing issue. While the immediate concern is the closure of the toilets and the potential health risk posed by the collapse, the incident also highlights the broader problem of outdated infrastructure and the ongoing struggle for community facilities.
A thorough assessment by the council has revealed that the sewage system is beyond repair and cannot be connected to the main infrastructure. To address this, the council is working with specialists to design a new, modern system. Once approved, the installation will commence, although a specific timeline is not yet available. The council is committed to resolving this issue as quickly as possible.
Lilyponds Park is equipped with long-drop toilets, a relic from a previous era that no longer meets the demands of our community and its events. The long drop toilets have been highlighted as a concern to parents who perceive both health and safety issues with them. Community members have informed MADCA that they are less inclined to access the park for casual gatherings because of the perception of unsafe and/or unsavoury facilities.
Also, when the park hosts large events, public temporary portable toilets must be hauled up the hill, installed, and subsequently removed, all at considerable expense. This inconvenience is impacting the affordability and logistical efficiency of events held at the park. Both the Country Market's choice of location and the recent Wuthering Heights of Mapleton event both had to grapple with the dearth of appropriate facilities in Mapleton, and the resulting financial burdens and logistical hurdles that result.
It should be noted that upgrading the park toilets won’t necessarily result in not having to bring in additional toilet facilities to support events such as the Wuthering Heights of Mapleton day. Decisions about the need for additional facilities are made on a case-by-case basis when permits are sought.
In response to this issue, MADCA, representing the community, is looking to take action. Through Councillor Law, MADCA approached the Sunshine Coast Regional Council to explore the possibility of upgrading the Lilypond toilets to better serve the park's diverse array of users. The initial response from Andrew Tout, Branch Manager of Property Management at the Sunshine Coast Council, indicated that the Lily Ponds toilets are not a near-term priority for the council. Particularly as the council is working to renovate a number of the existing 200 plus public toilets in the region to provide shower facilities for the increasing numbers of homeless in our region.
Nonetheless, the assessment of the park facilities remains an ongoing project, and community feedback will be a crucial component in shaping the direction of this endeavour. The council has indicated that an upgrade will be part of a broader 10-year works program, slated for development later this financial year. To expedite the renovation of the park toilets, MADCA is considering launching a petition to the Sunshine Coast Regional Council to upgrade the Lily Pond long drop toilets.
As community members, we have a role to play in making this much-needed renovation a reality. As highlighted in Andrew Tout's letter, community input is invaluable. By expressing our communities support for the renovation project and communicating its importance to our local officials, we help raise awareness and advocate for the cause.
Lilyponds Park serves as a gathering point for our community. It is essential that we ensure this beautiful space is equipped with modern, accessible amenities. Upgrading the public toilets is not only a practical necessity but a demonstration of MADCAs commitment to fostering a vibrant and connected community.
