Are they public toilets if the public can’t reach them?

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This blog explores the messy, fascinating business of local democracy in the Kiama local government area. I’m not a councillor, not council staff, and not on anyone’s payroll. I’m a long-time community member and former civics reporter for the local paper. I care about transparency, process, and making sure public decisions actually serve the public.

The post below is part of an ongoing series tracking what’s happening at the new Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club building. This time, we’re asking a basic question: what good are public toilets if the public can’t use them?

If you care about access, accountability, or the difference between what’s promised and what’s delivered, welcome,  you’re in the right place.

On 23 April 2025, I wrote an article for The Bugle titled Let’s make Kiama beaches accessible to all ages, all abilities, all the time.

That article was the beginning of a conversation we will keep having until it becomes reality. I am continuing to work with John Maclean, who featured in the story, and with the wheelchair surfing community to help Kiama lead by example.

This is not a campaign for special treatment. It is about access for everyone.  Kiama beaches and public spaces that are accessible to all ages, all abilities, all the time.

In December 2024, a private certifier issued an Occupation Certificate for the new Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club building. That certificate was meant to confirm the building was complete and ready for lawful use, including access for all.

Kiama Council has said the project includes $180,000 worth of public infrastructure. That includes accessible public toilets. This claim was repeated in a joint press release issued by Council and Gerringong SLSC in 2023.

So what was delivered?

There are public toilets on the southern side of the building. They are open, but they are not easily accessed by people using mobility aids. Meanwhile, the fully accessible toilets on the northern side are locked. They are located behind doors, reserved for surf club members only.

A public building, on public land, with restricted access

This is a Council-owned facility, funded by multiple levels of government. It sits on public land. It was built with the help of the community, approved through the development system, and publicly promoted as a space that would benefit more than just members.

If you are not a member and you need level access, wide doorways, and accessible fittings, these facilities are simply not available to you.

How did this get signed off?

The Occupation Certificate was issued by a private certifier. That raises several questions.

Did the certifier inspect the site and assess the toilets that were actually open to the public? Were they informed that the accessible toilets would be locked? Did they assume accessibility shown on the plans matched accessibility in practice?

If the accessible toilets were counted as part of the required infrastructure and included in the justification for funding, then someone needs to explain why they are not usable by the public.

Council has practical ways to fix this

There are straightforward options available:

1. Make the public toilets truly accessible by improving physical access to the toilets on the southern side

2. Unlock the accessible toilets on the northern side so they are available to everyone, not just club members

3. Do both, and clearly communicate the changes to the community

This is not a complex policy problem. It is a matter of following through on what was promised, and ensuring public infrastructure works for the public.

Right now, we have a building that looks finished but is failing to deliver on one of its most basic public promises.

This is about the gap between what is said and what is delivered. It is about the difference between ticking a compliance box and meeting a community standard. It is about whether we are prepared to speak up when public infrastructure does not serve everyone equally.

If you cannot access a toilet in a brand new  building, what confidence should you have in future upgrades, planning approvals, or public project delivery?

And if those in charge of building, certifying, or managing these facilities will not raise the issue, then the community must.

#Kiama #GerringongSLSC #PublicAccess #AccessibleDesign #InclusiveInfrastructure #LocalGovernment #CivicAccountability #ToiletAccess #CommunityMatters