Newcastle City Council has thrown its full support behind a sweeping state-level review of public toilet provision, but has made it clear that local government cannot foot the bill alone.
Council Backs Inquiry, Pleads for Funding
At its December meeting, councillors unanimously voted to write to local MPs and relevant ministers, urging the New South Wales government to accept and implement more than 20 recommendations from a recent parliamentary inquiry. The central plea is for long-term, dedicated state funding to help councils deliver facilities that are safe, accessible, and inclusive for all residents.
Greens councillor Siobhan Isherwood emphasised the financial strain, stating that toilets are very expensive to build and maintain. "We have toilets that exist, that need significant upgrades, and we also have many toilet facilities needing to be built," she said. "We want to deliver that for our community, and we need state government funding support to do that." The City of Newcastle currently operates 111 public toilets across its network.
Inquiry Highlights Widespread Impact of Poor Access
The NSW inquiry, which received over 70 submissions and heard from 60 witnesses, concluded that access to a public toilet can make or break a person's ability to participate in public life. It found that inadequate access disproportionately affects numerous groups, including people with disabilities, those who menstruate, the LGBTQIA+ community, people experiencing homelessness, First Nations people, and residents in rural and remote areas.
In October, inquiry chair Amanda Cohn MLC said the findings were stark. "It is astonishing that in 2025 there is not an adequate framework to ensure adequate access to public toilets, and this must change," she stated. The inquiry's recommendations include:
- Supporting councils to improve, operate and maintain public toilets.
- Allocating funds in line with community needs.
- Ensuring consistent servicing of facilities.
- Providing funding for specialised 'Changing Places' facilities.
Calls for Menstrual Equity and Universal Design
The inquiry also heard powerful submissions on specific needs. Rochelle Courtenay, founder of Share the Dignity, advocated for equitable access to menstrual products in public and publicly accessible toilets, calling it a health necessity and a basic human right.
Labor councillor Paige Johnson, who made an individual submission to the inquiry, summed up the council's sentiment, declaring, "I'm certainly one that gives a crap about public toilets." The council now awaits the state government's formal response to the inquiry's final report, which is expected in January 2026.
