The Clutha District Council will discuss the redeployment of three surplus toilet units to areas of identified need within the district during its meeting in Balclutha this afternoon.
All three units — one single accessible and two twin non-accessible toilets — were formerly used in Balclutha, but are now in storage.
A report prepared by GHC Consulting lists nine potential sites throughout South Otago as candidates for the recycled loos, meaning not all will be flushed with success after today’s meeting.
Kaitangata Promotions spokeswoman Joyce Beck said the group and other local interests had advocated for a new centrally located public toilet during recent community plan consultation.
Mrs Beck said although the BMX and adjoining skatepark also had a toilet, it was not suitable for public use.
A new unit could service both those facilities and the nearby boat ramp.
"The current one has been used since the 1940s, but is not up to today’s standards.
"The community has identified a need for a public facility central to these three busy key resources, so we’re hopeful the council will give us their consideration today."
Lawrence has two sites up for consideration — at the entrance to Gabriels Gully, and at the current Clutha Gold Cycle trailhead and carpark.
Lawrence-Tuapeka Community Board chairman Geoff Davidson said locals had appealed for toilets at both locations, although the greater immediate need was at the cycle trailhead.
"The trailhead is the most logical site at this stage, as Gabriels Gully is not too far from the current toilets at the other end of Ross Pl.
"We’ve got more and more cyclists parking there or coming through on the trail, and that’s only going to increase when the trail extension opens later this month."
Other sites being considered for the blocks are Balclutha’s Bridge Playground, Centennial Park and South Otago Town and Country Club; Henley Ferry; Mt Stuart Reserve; and Tuapeka Mouth Domain.
The report said all sites could eventually receive new facilities through a mix of existing budgeted community plan projects and low-cost upgrades.
