http://youtu.be/zMAM62cVWSg
The state of the public toilets in Byron Bay is so notorious they have almost become a tourist attraction – of the worst kind.
Mandy Nolan made a video about them (above) more than two years ago but even that didn’t seem to be enough to get them on the council’s agenda – until now.
Now a fresh new set of loos have been trucked into town and set up in Apex Park. It’s the loo with a view, except that when you go in the door will automatically snap shut – and automatically open again 10 minutes later.
The new portable toilet block is a first for the town with a second unit due to arrive in the New Year for Railway Park.
Byron Shire Council’s acting infrastructure services director Tony Nash said the toilets are fully self contained and (best of all) self-cleaning.
‘The cleaning function can be changed depending on the number of people using the facility. Theyare low maintenance and vandal resistant.
‘Plus due to their movability, they can be relocated to another area should the foreshore be upgraded following the Byron Bay Town Centre Masterplan.’
Located near the surf club and the old toilet block, the Exeloos arrived on the back of a truck two weeks ago and were plumbed into the existing sewer and water pipes.
But the new loos are not a place to linger longer. Set with 10 minute timer, the door will automatically open; not to fear, you will get a warning before the door opens!
Mr Nash said the 10-minute time limit ensured that the toilet blocks were for genuine needs and not a place to loiter.
The new loos also have a baby change table in one of the stations and are wheelchair accessible.
The nearby disabled toilets will remain in use for people with an MLAK key, along with the public toilets near Fishheads Cafe and additional portaloos for the peak summer period.
Mr Nash said in past, the beachfront toilets have been subject to repeated vandalism and he hoped this would not be the case with the new block.
‘Whilst the new toilet block can be left open for 24 hours, at this stage they are open from 5am to 8pm during the summer months,’ he said.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
