IT must be Perth’s most controversial toilet with locals packing the public gallery to debate a new loo going in at the small but overpopular Hobart Street reserve.
One-hundred-and-twenty-seven people (many from the North Perth precinct group) opposed the public toilet, worried about who it might attract.
Other public lavs in parks around town are routinely locked at night to stop “anti-social behaviour”.
Amelia Coleman says the owners of the nearby cafe have been happy to let kids use their toilets.
“Residents have never complained about the occasional bush wee if a child is caught short,” she adds.
About 60 supported the idea.
Councillors John Pintabona and Josh Topelberg opposed the outhouse.
“I can’t see it being used by enough people to support it,” Cr Topelberg said. The council voted for 12-month trial.
“The benefit will outweigh the potential risks highlighted,” Cr Julia Wilcox said.
“Give it 12 months and that will give us the opportunity to see if the risks are realised.”
Mayor Alannah MacTiernan added, “with the sheer number of people coming in to that park, it’s not responsible for us to not have a toilet facility there”.
A second-hand industrial toilet will be used for the trial and if that works out something more permanent will go in.
by DAVID BELL
Perth Voice Interactive 
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