Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg says ongoing vandalism and antisocial behaviour at public toilet facilities is forcing the council to make “difficult but necessary” changes, including temporary closures and reduced operating hours.
The council is responding to a sustained increase in incidents across multiple sites. The frequency and severity of damage mean facilities are often unusable soon after repairs, creating safety risks, ongoing costs and repeated disruption for the community.
“Council has invested significantly to ensure public amenities were upgraded across our city following the 2022 flood events, with 23 public toilet upgrades completed or underway,” Krieg said.
“These upgrades are about providing safe, clean and accessible facilities for our community and visitors. It is incredibly disappointing to see some of these assets damaged shortly after upgrades are completed.”
He said ongoing damage — including graffiti, smashed fixtures and repeated break-ins — is placing pressure on council resources.
“The Transit Centre public toilets have again been severely vandalised and will remain closed until further notice while we assess repairs and future management options.”
“Other facilities, including Dawson Street, Heritage Park and Nimbin, have also been repeatedly targeted, in some cases shortly after repairs have been completed.”
Krieg said the council is reviewing how facilities are managed in response to ongoing incidents.
“Security patrols and CCTV are not always effective in preventing repeat damage, particularly where incidents occur quickly or overnight, and they come at a significant cost. Closing or reducing hours is a short-term measure to protect assets while longer-term solutions are developed. We also continue to work in collaboration with police at affected sites.”
“To help protect facilities and improve safety, Council will be reviewing operating hours across several locations, with some amenities closing earlier in the evening. Hours will be extended during major community events where appropriate.”
Krieg said the financial impact is significant and ultimately borne by the community.
“Vandalism of public amenities costs councils thousands of dollars per incident. These are funds that would otherwise go toward maintaining infrastructure and delivering other community services.”
“These are shared community assets. When they are damaged, everyone is affected.”
“I am asking our community to take pride in these facilities and report any maintenance issues directly to Council.”
“Any antisocial or criminal behaviour should be reported to the NSW Police Force.”
“We want to keep these facilities open, safe and accessible for everyone, and that relies on the community working with us.”
Transit Centre public toilets
On 27 April, the Transit Centre public toilets were again subject to severe vandalism, resulting in their closure until further notice. Damage includes smashed toilets, a broken automatic door, extensive graffiti, damaged fixtures and the need for repainting. Due to the extent and frequency of malicious damage, the facilities will remain closed while the council assesses repair requirements and ongoing management options.
Dawson Street public toilets
Following the opening of the skate park, the accessible toilet was initially kept open later to support community use. However, continued vandalism, graffiti, damage and overnight occupation have made this unsustainable. The facility will now close in line with other council amenities each evening.
Heritage Park Visitor Information public toilets
Following a recent $385,821 upgrade, the Heritage Park Visitor Information public toilets have already been impacted by vandalism and graffiti. In one incident, a shopping trolley was pushed into the facility and set alight, causing considerable damage and putting the toilets out of service for an extended period while repairs are undertaken.
Nimbin public toilets
The Nimbin public toilets continue to experience regular vandalism and graffiti on a near-weekly basis. Damage includes broken doors, latches, toilet roll holders and seats. Prior to the MardiGrass festival, volunteers painted the interior to improve the facility’s presentation; however, vandalism and graffiti reoccurred soon after.
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