Vandals are the loo-sers while public foots the bill

Another attack of “senseless” vandalism has forced City Hall to close its underground Moorabool Street toilets today.
The City’s Jo Maloney ordered the immediate closure after vandals graffitied and damaged the toilets overnight.
“These toilets had already been vandalised with unsightly graffiti and were on our growing list for maintenance,” Ms Moloney said.
“Someone has wrenched the cisterns and water pipes from the walls, which means the urinals and toilets can’t be flushed.
“This now poses a public health risk, so we’ve had no option but to close this facility and organise repairs as soon as practicable.”
The City maintains 148 public toilet blocks and 22 amenity blocks across the municipality.
“Unfortunately, vandalism in these facilities costs ratepayers about $120,000 a year, with most of this for graffiti removal,” Ms Moloney said.
“We’d much rather spend these funds on more creative and productive services, but we’re obliged to repair our toilets to cater for the needs of the local community and visitors alike.
“But like many other councils, we simply can’t afford the mounting cost of maintaining these services when they’re senselessly attacked by vandals.”