Residents of a small Victorian town are protesting a $350,000 plan to relocate a public toilet directly opposite their homes, fearing significant devaluation of their properties and increased security concerns. The proposed move by the local council has sparked outrage, with homeowners claiming the project is a waste of ratepayer money and places an undue burden on them to monitor the facility.
the dispute centers on the planned relocation of a toilet block a few hundred meters from its current location in the town, which residents say will transform their quiet neighborhood into a public amenity zone. Homeowners estimate their properties could lose between $50,000 and $100,000 in value if the toilet is positioned as currently proposed. Resident Stringer voiced concerns, stating, “They’re basically asking us to do the surveillance for them.”
The council is proceeding with the project despite the opposition, arguing the relocation is necessary to improve public facilities. Residents have been given until October 12th to complete a council survey regarding the toilet’s new location, representing their last chance to influence the decision. The debate highlights a common tension between local government infrastructure projects and the concerns of residents regarding quality of life and property values.
