Published on Wednesday, 24 April 2019 at 2:56:58 PM
After a long journey, Council has compromised and approved a design for a toilet facility at the HMAS Sydney II Memorial.
At last night’s Council Meeting, Councillors voted in favour of a preferred design by Smith Sculptors which meets community and volunteer requirements, as well as cost expectations.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the decision demonstrated the City’s willingness to work with community groups to generate positive outcomes.
“This has been quite a journey but I believe we have arrived at the best possible compromise which meets a number of expectations,” he said.
“There has been a lot of uncertainty about this for years but now it’s time to move forward.
“This is a great outcome and we can now look forward the enhancing this amazing community icon.”
As one of Geraldton’s most visited attractions and listed as one of Australia’s top 10 landmarks on TripAdvisor, the Memorial site is visited by thousands every year.
In 2017 Council resolved to approve a preferred design for the toilet facility subject to feedback from the HMAS Sydney II Memorial Advisory Committee and other key stakeholders.
The Committee rejected the option and as a result, Smith Sculptors produced another alternative design which is in keeping with the elements and theme of the Memorial.
The preferred design ‘Option 3’, proposes a toilet facility with eight stalls to be located adjacent to the carpark.
Option 3 separates the public toilet facility and store room from a proposed Visitor Guide facility and communal space.
“We will be calling on the State and Federal Government once again to assist with funding the construction of the toilet facility,” Mayor Van Styn added.
“With increasing visitation numbers at the Memorial, particularly when cruise ships and tour groups visit the City, there is a great need for added toilet amenities.”
The City will support the HMAS Sydney II Memorial Committee in seeking external grant funding contributions towards the construction of the Visitor Guide Facility and communal space.
Council will consider funding contributions for the toilet facility as part of the 2019-20 capital works program.
If funding support is not secured by the Committee within 12 months of approval, the matter will be referred back to Council.
Back to All News