As part of the City of PAE’s Public Toilet Plan (adopted in October 2020), we proposed to construct a new amenity building in Duncan Fraser Reserve, Northfield.

We received requests from local residents and the Northgate Community and Sports Club for a new public toilet at Duncan Fraser Reserve next to the existing playground, BBQ/picnic facilities and outdoor gym. In response to these requests, and in alignment with our Public Toilet Plan, we proposed to build a public toilet in the south-eastern corner of the reserve. We sought feedback from our community on the proposed location during January and February 2024 and the engagement findings can be viewed below.

The location we have selected has several benefits. It will:

• Provide easy access to a public toilet from the existing pathway and community facilities (playground, BBQ area and outdoor gym)
• Prevent the need for people to travel across or around the oval to access the alternative toilet facility (within the Northgate Community and Sporting Club)
• Be in a highly visible area
• Not require any removal of existing trees. Council reviewed different locations adjacent to the playground, and this is the only location that will not require any removal of existing trees.

The new toilet building will include two unisex, DDA compliant (accessible), and family-friendly cubicles equipped with baby change tables. The council will be responsible for unlocking and locking the toilets, with operating hours typically from dawn to dusk.

We asked local residents if you supported the proposal to establish a public toilet facility in the south-eastern corner of Duncan Fraser Reserve.

Key Comments, Requests, and Concerns:

• Participants shared their support for the proposal due to the number of children, families and older residents that use the reserve.
• Participants expressed concerns about the proposed location's proximity to existing infrastructure and residential areas.
• Some respondents suggested alternative locations within the reserve to minimize impact on residential amenity.
• Questions were raised regarding the maintenance, accessibility, and cleanliness of the proposed facility.

• No objections were raised regarding the need for a toilet facility, but rather concerns about its optimal placement and maintenance.

After careful consideration of the feedback received, we have made the decision to proceed with the proposed location for the new public toilet facility at Duncan Fraser Reserve. We are committed to addressing the concerns raised by participants, particularly regarding maintenance, accessibility, and cleanliness, during the final design and implementation stages of the project.

The next steps for the project involve finalising the design plans and obtaining the necessary approvals for construction.

Construction of the new public toilet facility is funded as part of the 2024/25 Annual Business Plan. Commencement of construction work is expected to begin in early 2025 with completion anticipated to be in June/July 2025. We will provide updates to the surrounding community regarding the project next steps and timelines once they are finalised.