More than 1000 people have signed a petition to protest Wollongong City Council’s proposal for upgrading the Austinmer Beach amenities block.
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Plans for a $1.7 million makeover of the dilapidated 1930s building were unveiled by the council last month.
The council’s design will keep the main concrete structure and arches of the block – which has previously been nominated for a heritage listing, but was not successful – but includes new awnings covering the entrance to the toilets, more seating and a recycled timber and plastic facade.
For years, residents have complained about the state of the 1930s toilet block, which doesn’t meet current standards for disability access, energy efficiency, plumbing or sewerage.
However, signing an online petition, residents have agreed the council should change its plans to restore the original look and character of the building.
“[It] is a part of our local identity, heritage and holds a special place in people's hearts,” the petition, started by an organisation calling itself Austinmer Conservation, states.
“Council's proposed design sees the much loved 1930s building being renovated to an unrecognisable modern state. For example the original concrete masonry will be covered with ‘modern wooden panels’ and oversized plastic toilet signage.”
Public comment on the plans close on until Sunday.
Announcing the refurbishment plans, the council’s manager city works and services Mark Roebuck said any work would not start on repairing the block until 2019.
See the petition here.
Kate McIlwain
For more than a decade, I've helped the Illawarra Mercury set the news agenda across the region. Currently I'm the paper's health reporter - covering the stories of Illawarra workers and residents in the wake of a global pandemic and at a time where our health systems are stretched to the limit.
For more than a decade, I've helped the Illawarra Mercury set the news agenda across the region. Currently I'm the paper's health reporter - covering the stories of Illawarra workers and residents in the wake of a global pandemic and at a time where our health systems are stretched to the limit.
