CHRISTMAS should see the gift of a new public toilet being opened for use at Crowdy Head.
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Days spent on the beautiful beach and in the surf will not be marred by the experience of having to visit "the old stinker-style" toilet block that currently sits at the rear of Crowdy Head Surf Club.
It's been there for more than 30 years member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams announced the State government would pay more than $92,000 to allow for the construction of new toilet block.
Crowdy Head Surf Life Saving Club president, Allan Davis described the news as "awesome, that's just awesome" and spoke to the support of Greater Taree City Council in getting the project 'shovel-ready' to try to secure the funding. In particular, the work of council's senior leader property and procurement, Dan Aldridge and senior strategic planner Sue Calvin.
Mr Aldridge described the funding windfall as a "good result" but added that it had "been a protracted process as we have been unsuccessful in our applications for funding two times."
Mr Aldridge is now focused on what must be done to get the new toilet block built and open.
"We hope to have it up and running by Christmas," Mr Aldridge said.
He said the first step would be to "sit down with Crowdy Head Surf Life Saving Club to finalise where the new block is to be located."
"Obviously we have a fair indication as to where it will be built but we just need to discuss and finalise details," he explained.
The design of the toilet block is one detail that will not have to be discussed as plans were submitted to the State government with the application for funding.
"It will be identical to the Black Head toilet block in almost all respects," he said.
"It's as good as you can get as far as a public toilets go. It's an open air facility for ventilation and to also deter undesirable activity.
"It's not the old stinker-style toilet that's on site now."
Mr Aldridge said construction would involve "about three months of work with between three to five people on site".
Crowdy Head Surf Life Saving Club president Allan Davis said he was looking forward to work beginning and the impact it would have on the community and members who visit Crowdy Head Beach.
"It will mean better facilities for patrons who use our facilities and relieve some of the pressure on our club members who have had to deal with the public about the condition of our toilets, as you know, people assumed the toilets were the responsibility of the club and we've had problems with that."