The half a million dollar new accessible toilet block at Wentworth Falls Lake is open for use.
Large enough to cater for a mob of visitors, it features a large overhanging awning for shelter in bad weather, as well as a wall and gate pattern inspired by two endangered species – the Blue Mountains water skink and giant dragonfly.
The building is part of a broad upgrade project at Wentworth Falls Lake Reserve which includes a boardwalk and viewing platform, interpretive signage, car park and landscaping works.
It was funded by council and the federal government under the Community Development Grants program in 2017.
Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill, said he was pleased to see the animals featured on the building, which includes artwork by Darug man Chris Tobin of the giant dragonfly.
“The lake is looking great. It is lovely to see all of council’s hard work coming together, especially given how popular the area is,” Cr Mark Greenhill said.
“The swamps that border Wentworth Falls Lake are part of an important ecological community that is listed as vulnerable.
“Two endangered species that form an integral part of this unique and fragile environment are the Blue Mountains water skink (Eulamprus leuraensis) and the giant dragonfly (Petalura gigantea), so it’s lovely to see these featured.”
There are seven toilets (plus urinals) in the building’s 130 square metre footprint.
Lights on the toilet are visible around the lake at night, despite the fact the toilets are usually shut by 5pm.
A council spokeswoman said the building is lit at night “to discourage vandalism, and for increased safety for council staff who carry out cleaning, maintenance and the opening and closing of the building outside of daylight hours”.
Further works will start in coming months, to improve nearby car parking and pedestrian connections to the toilets.
A council spokeswoman said while these works and landscaping is being carried out, the new toilets would only be accessible from the park side.
The toilet block was built by API Commercial for $544,632, after the company that won the original tender – Arcs Pty Ltd – failed to show up for a project meeting with council.
The old toilet block is currently still in place but will be removed next month.
Under the grant funding requirements, the work needed to be finished by October 30. An official opening of all the new works is scheduled for later this year.
