Warrnambool residents have asked the city council to upgrade bathroom facilities near the beach

A petition with 73 signatures has been submitted to Warrnambool City Council requesting a new public toilet and change facility in the McGennan’s car park area on Pertobe Road.

Jill Exell, a beach user who collected the signatures, wrote in her petition letter a suitable facility needed to be provided at the car park, on the vacant land opposite the outdoor shower.

“While the surf club has change rooms and toilets, and there is a great facility provided near Middle Island, there is an ongoing need for a similar facility to be provided at McGennan’s car park,” she said.

“While we realise that swimming safety flags are provided at the surf club, one only has to visit the beach at McGennan’s on any warm day in January and February to understand that there are as many people frequenting this part of the beach.

“The antiquated toilet block near Pertobe Road is simply not appropriate for visiting or residential families or individuals to change for their swim.

“It must also be noted that on nearly every morning over summer and some winter mornings there are groups of middle aged people who bodyboard at McGennan’s who have to change in their cars.

“To this end we ask that a suitable facility like the one near Middle Island on Viaduct Road or the unisex cubicles being used in many beaches around Australia, be used at McGennan’s.”

The petition was received and referred to council’s chief executive officer Bruce Anson for consideration and response.

Mr Anson has contacted the joint letter organiser to inform them of the council process and will also inform them of subsequent recommendations. 

The public toilets and change facilities in the McGennan’s and Lake Pertobe areas are maintained by the city council as part of its open space and foreshore areas.