At the playground in Apex Park, Nathalia, children teeter on a Yogi Bear-shaped seesaw, dangle from monkey bars and clamber up steel steps to hurriedly reach the slide.
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Then, it happens — they have to use the toilet.
The toilet block, however, is inaccessible and unusable due to severe damage sustained on April 20.
One side of the structure collapsed, leaving fallen bricks, broken basins and toilet pieces on the ground.
Police tape was removed and the area was fenced off shortly after, and two portable toilets were installed for public use.
Four months later, it still looks the same.
The only change is residents’ frustration at the lack of progress, prompting some to contact The News to find answers.
The News contacted Moira Shire Council about the delay in removing the rubble and rebuilding the toilet block.
On Wednesday, August 21, a council spokesperson confirmed that a demolition contractor had obtained the necessary permits, with the demolition expected to be completed in the next two weeks.
The installation of a new toilet facility is planned for late October/early November.
Moreover, the area is not only a beloved park for parents and grandparents to take their children to but also a dump point for caravan and motorhome users.
As the temporary fencing surrounding the toilet block encloses the dumping point, travellers are prevented from disposing of their grey and black water and sewage waste in an environmentally friendly manner.
The council spokesperson did not comment on whether a potential temporary measure would be implemented or when the dump point would be accessible again.
Nathalia residents are questioning the reconstruction efforts, with debris still lying around after four months.
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