South Gippsland Shire Council's 2026/27 budget confirms a significant pullback in funding for public toilets across the shire, both in terms of new infrastructure and the ongoing cleaning of some existing non-Council-owned facilities, as Council cites global economic uncertainty and the need to prioritise what it describes as "essential" services.
The decision that has generated the strongest community response is the rejection of a long-sought proposal for toilets at the Port Welshpool Long Jetty. Council acknowledged it was "aware of community interest" but said it had "taken a more cautious approach to the 2026/27 Budget to prioritise essential services and existing infrastructure commitments."
The Welshpool and District Advisory Group has responded to the news. "The community of Port Welshpool and surrounds are deeply disappointed by the recent decision to reject the proposal for public toilets at the Long Jetty," the group said in a statement. "For years, local residents, visitors, community groups and businesses have advocated for this essential facility. Petitions have been submitted, presentations have been made to Council, and countless conversations have highlighted the need. Yet despite this sustained community support, not only was the proposal rejected, but many of us only discovered the decision through our own online searches rather than through direct communication from Council."
The group pointed to the very visible consequences of the current situation. "Visitors faced with a long walk to the nearest public toilets are increasingly using surrounding areas instead. This is unpleasant, unhygienic and unfair on both locals and visitors." They also raised broader questions about equity of investment across the Shire. "Too often it feels as though the same towns receive repeated funding and upgrades while smaller communities are expected to wait. Port Welshpool contributes significantly to the region's tourism appeal and deserves the same level of attention and support."
A request for toilets at the Tarwin Lower Recreation Reserve was also knocked back, with Council saying it had been "strongly advocating" for improved facilities on the Crown land site. A request for daily cleaning of the toilets near the Meeniyan playground and rail trail was declined outright, with Council confirming the facility is not Council-owned.
More broadly, the budget confirms Council will cease cleaning a number of toilets on non-Council-owned land from 1 July, transferring responsibility back to asset owners, though some facilities escaped the proposed cuts. The Loch Memorial Reserve Committee told Council that without cleaning support, the toilets and BBQ area may have to close, despite usage increasing significantly since the opening of the Great Southern Rail Trail. The Leongatha Recreation Reserve Committee raised similar concerns about a facility near the skate park.
Following those submissions, Council agreed to continue cleaning at Loch Memorial Reserve, Leongatha Recreation Reserve and the Korumburra Showgrounds, but confirmed it will cease cleaning at Venus Bay Beach No.1, Venus Bay Beach No.5 and Shallow Inlet from 1 July.
Parks Victoria has since confirmed it will take over cleaning of the Venus Bay Beach No.1 and No.5 facilities from the end of August. The Prom Coast News has been informed that the Sandy Point and Waratah Bay Foreshore Committee of Management will take on responsibility for cleaning the toilets at Shallow Inlet, and representatives have been contacted for comment. Cara Schultz
