Toilet block vandalism on the rise
A wave of senseless vandalism at some of Bega Valley Shire’s public toilet blocks is being investigated by local police.
The Mogareeka boat ramp toilets required a full interior replacement before opening again.
7 September 2022
A wave of senseless vandalism at some of Bega Valley Shire’s public toilet blocks is being investigated by local police.
In the past month, toilet blocks at three locations in Eden and one in Mogareeka and Bermagui have been vandalised and forced to closed while repairs are undertaken.
Bega Valley Shire Mayor, Russell Fitzpatrick said the recent spate of vandalism results is an unnecessary drain on public funds.
“We’ve had enough damage to shire infrastructure through natural disasters and we certainly cannot afford to add intentional damage to our list of expenses,” Cr Fitzpatrick said.
“Whoever is doing this, whether one person or a group, should understand that money spent to repair needless vandalism comes from our general fund.
“This means diverting money away from public projects to spend on unnecessary repairs.
“Of equal concern is the impact this has on vulnerable people in the community. Aged residents in particular rely on toilet blocks being open and having them unexpectedly close can cause distress.
“Perhaps the people who continue to vandalise our public toilet blocks will reconsider their actions if they see vandalism as potentially impacting a grandparent or family member.
“Last month, the Bermagui Apex Park toilets were damaged and the Mogareeka boat ramp toilet block was smashed beyond repair. This was followed by damage to the Eden Scout Hall toilets last week, and over the weekend the Aslings Beach and Barclay Sports Pavilion toilet blocks were also vandalised. This is unacceptable.
“Each of the incidents has been reported to the local Police who are currently investigating and calling for information.”
The toilets at Mogareeka opened again this week following a full interior replacement, and damaged toilet blocks in Eden are currently closed, awaiting repairs.
The Bermagui Apex Park toilets were damaged on the evening of Tuesday 9 August.
The Mogareeka boat ramp toilets were damaged between Friday 12 August and the morning of Saturday 13 August.
The Eden Scout Hall toilets were damaged between 4pm and 8.30pm on Thursday 1 September.
The Aslings Beach and Barclay Sports Pavilion toilets were damaged between Saturday 3 September and Sunday 4 September.
Anyone with information regarding these acts of vandalism should report it to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Making an enquiry
All media enquiries and interview requests are coordinated by Council's Communication and Events team under the adopted Communications Policy. To view this policy, visit Public Policies and search 'communications'.
To submit a media enquiry or to request an interview:
- email media@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
- call 02 6499 2222
Councillors
Councillors can be contacted directly for enquiries regarding decisions of the elected Council and non-operational matters. Interviews with the Mayor should be arranged through the Communication and Events team contact details above.
Receiving information
If you’re a journalist or media organisation that would like to receive media releases and notifications about media opportunities, please email your name, title and contact details to media@begavalley.nsw.gov.au and we will add you to our distribution list.
You can also subscribe to Bega Valley Together and Business News, Council's fortnightly e-newsletters, or follow @begavalleyshirecouncil on Facebook and Instagram.
© Bega Valley Shire Council 2024
Our council websites
Contact Us
- 02 6499 2222
- council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
-
Zingel Place
PO Box 492
Bega NSW 2550 -
Monday to Friday 9.00AM to 4.30PM
Administration building Zingel Place Bega
Australia -
ABN: 26 987 935 332
Was this helpful?