By BRIDGET SCOTT
A GROUP of Lakeside residents may just get what they are bursting for.
After a petition was put forward last month by more than 500 residents for a public toilet block at Lakeside, the cost of installing it will be considered as part of the council’s future budget.
According to Cardinia shire councillor Jodie Owen council officers are actively looking into the estimated costs and said it is a necessity for the area.
The petition was first put forward by the Lakeside Community Development Group Forum (LCDF) as well as the Lakeside Sailing Club for a toilet block to be installed near the playground and barbecue area by the lake.
Cr Owen said she was happy to support this petition when it was suggested to her.
“This is a great demonstration that people do still have power,” she said.
“Lakeside will now, in future, have facilities there so children, pregnant women and others can use this and don’t have to worry about where they can go around the lake.
“When the petition was first created, LCDF chair Wendy Andrew said this was a much wanted addition to Lakeside.
“It has always been an issue in the area whenever we have events especially with little children.
“When they need to go, their parents might have to take them home, they can’t wait here for three hours,” she said.
“You also have people walking around here who are pregnant.”
Cr Collin Ross also supported the petition and said he is aware it was a big issue for Lakeside residents.
He said that the closest toilet facilities were at the Cardinia Cultural Centre and if this is closed people have nowhere to go.
“If the centre isn’t open you may struggle to get kids there in time,” he said.
“People urinate in their (residents) gardens or around the pathway because there is nowhere else to go.”
“If we are going to provide activity places we need to provide toilets.”
Stewart Baker from the Lakeside Sailing Club also got behind this petition and said 12-year-old girls from their club had to use a bathroom facility in a nearby petrol station.
“Considering how long ago this was developed, this should have been put in years ago,” he said.
Cr Owen said she is determined to see this toilet block installed.
“I would like to see before my term finishes on council that this is a reality,” she said.
