$2.39 million for new public toilets - the details

The following media release from the QLDC details how a new $2.39 of government tourism funding will be spent.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is set to receive $2.39 million from Central Government’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund (TIF) to go towards a Public Toilet programme of works, it was announced today.

QLDC General Manager Community Services, Thunes Cloete confirmed the Council applied for funding from the TIF with a proposal to install several public toilet facilities in key locations throughout the district.

“This funding will help us support the increased demand toilet facilities are experiencing in our district due to visitor growth. Meeting the needs of these visitors will culminate in improved cleanliness with demand spread across a greater number of cubicles,” Dr Cloete said.

“It will also mark a reduction in the current environmental and public health issue of visitors toileting in significant and sensitive landscape environments across our district.”

A review of the existing network of toilet facilities conducted in early 2018 recommended 8 new or replaced toilet blocks be installed. With funding received from the TIF set to make up 78% of the programme’s cost, public toilet facilities are planned for installation in the following locations:

•                     Glenorchy Foreshore Reserve

•                     Kingston Reserve

•                     Luggate Red Bridge Rest Stop

•                     Lake Hayes Foreshore Reserve

•                     Albert Town Outlet

•                     SH6 The Neck to Isthmus Peak Car Park

•                     SH6 between Kingston and Frankton

•                     Bennetts Bluff, Glenorchy to Queenstown Road

QLDC Mayor Jim Boult was delighted with the approved funding, as it allows QLDC to better provide for both current and future demand on toilet facilities in the district. “This is significant investment that will benefit our local community enjoying these locations as well as the many domestic and international tourists that visit our district.”

“Ten years from now on our district’s busiest days, we’ll have more people here than in the city of Dunedin.  Not only do we have to be ready for that, we have to be better than we are today,” said Mayor Boult.