
Townsville City Council’s network of more than 60 public toilet blocks is an essential community asset, but they’ve recently become the target of what Mayor Nick Dametto describes as "antisocial and frankly stupid" behaviour. A recent report by Mirage News has highlighted a growing wave of arson, graffiti, and destruction that is placing a heavy burden on local ratepayers.
In 2025 alone, Townsville City Council spent over $350,000 on the repair and maintenance of these facilities. Mayor Dametto noted that a significant portion of this cost is directly tied to vandalism, money that he would much rather see invested in playgrounds, shade for parks, or family-friendly spaces.
Beyond the financial cost, the impact on the community is significant. Vandalism often leads to sudden, long-term shutdowns of these vital sites, causing major inconvenience for the hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors who rely on them each year. To address this, the Mayor is calling on "sensible people" in the community to take a stand against this disregard for public property.
Check out the full Mirage News article here.