The serene beauty of a lakeside park is often the perfect escape for those of us who cherish the tranquillity of nature and the joy of outdoor activities. Kentish Park, near Sheffield in Tasmania's north, is one such idyllic spot that has long been a favourite for rowers, jet skiers, fishermen, and families looking to enjoy the picturesque setting of Lake Barrington. However, a recent issue has marred the park's reputation and left visitors and locals alike in a rather uncomfortable and unsanitary predicament.

The problem at hand is one that might make you think twice before donning your walking shoes for a stroll around the park. Since the closure of the campground in 2022, the lack of toilet facilities has become a pressing concern. With the nearest public restroom over 13 kilometres away, visitors have been left with no choice but to relieve themselves in the bushes. This has led to warnings from locals to 'be careful where you walk,' as the once-pristine park is now at risk of becoming a minefield of human waste.

Kentish Park visitors are troubled by the lack of toilets, leading to unsanitary conditions. Credit: Facebook

The issue came to a head during the Australia Day weekend when the park saw an influx of more than 200 visitors. The absence of amenities prompted an outcry on social media, with residents voicing their concerns about the environmental and health implications of the situation. Descriptions of the park ranged from 'disgraceful' to 'gross' and 'embarrassing,' with fears that heavy rainfall could exacerbate the filth. The fact that Lake Barrington supplies water to towns in northwest Tasmania adds another layer of concern, with some residents expressing relief that they have rainwater tanks.

Kentish Mayor Kate Haberle has acknowledged the potential environmental health hazard posed by visitors going to the toilet in the bushes and has called on the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service to take responsibility. The park's ownership was transferred back to the state government in August 2023, but the toilet block remains closed, leaving the park's visitors without essential facilities.

In response to the outcry, the government has allocated $150,000 to the council for the construction of new amenities. While Mayor Haberle is prepared to use these funds to rebuild the toilet block, she is also advocating for assistance with maintenance costs, which the state government has so far been unwilling to provide. The burden of maintenance, if not supported by the state, would fall on the local ratepayers, a point of contention given the park's wide-reaching popularity.

The council is set to consider the maintenance costs in their upcoming budget, with Mayor Haberle emphasizing the urgency of the matter. She has been vocal about her commitment to reopening the toilet block for the next season and is actively seeking solutions. Residents have been invited to submit proposals or voice their concerns to the council, as the mayor remains determined to resolve the issue.

While many are also calling for the campground to be reopened, the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service has stated that there are no current plans to reintroduce overnight camping. This decision leaves the park's future in limbo, with the community hoping for a swift and effective resolution to the 'filthy' problem.

As we at the Seniors Discount Club often remind our readers, the great outdoors is one of life's greatest pleasures, especially as we seek peaceful retreats from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It's crucial that our parks and recreational areas are maintained to the highest standards for the enjoyment and safety of all visitors. We encourage our members to stay informed and involved in local issues that affect these communal spaces.

Key Takeaways

• Visitors to Kentish Park in Tasmania are being troubled by the lack of toilet facilities, leading to unsanitary conditions as people resort to using the bushes.
• After the closure of the campground and toilets, there is public outcry and environmental health concerns voiced by both locals and the Kentish Mayor.
• Funding has been provided by the government for new amenities, but there is an issue over the ongoing maintenance costs.
• The Kentish Council will consider the maintenance expenses in their budget, which may result in ratepayers bearing the cost.

Have you encountered similar issues at your local parks or recreational areas? How do you think such problems should be addressed? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let's discuss the importance of preserving the cleanliness and accessibility of our beloved natural environments.

 

[Catherines]

We have never ‘camped’ anywhere so I guess this issue would not affect us, but I think that if there was a sign saying ‘toilet closed’ I would not stop there. Common sense and the probable smell would tell you others have been relieving themselves in the bushes.

To urinate is convenient for a man to just do so but awkward and difficult for a woman, and to relieve oneself of faeces is awkward for both. I would drive away from a place that has a ‘toilet closed’ sign. Common sense, and common decency and respect for one’s self and others, plain and simple!

 

[Ezzy]

The action of closing the toilet block surely borders on insanity???

I wonder if people will be told to take a plastic bag with them, empty their bowels into the bag, which has been placed on the ground for this purpose, wrap it up & take the mess with them. Not sure where people would then deposit this bag of s..t. Possibly in a Kentish Council street bin? The mind boggles when thinking where this will end.

 

[Catherines]

The action of closing the toilet block surely borders on insanity???

I wonder if people will be told to take a plastic bag with them, empty their bowels into the bag, which has been placed on the ground for this purpose, wrap it up & take the mess with them. Not sure where people would then deposit this bag of s..t. Possibly in a Kentish Council street bin? The mind boggles when thinking where this will end.

Why do you say closing it is insanity? Please explain.

 

[marni]

I think toilet blocks for residents and visitors alike us one of the main duties if a council. Do their rate paying residents visit other Councils and use their ablution block. Fair is fair

 

[Catherines]

To further comment on this, I say - here is the actual quote from this article: “ Since the closure of the campground in 2022 ….”. The council needs to state the reason the campground was closed in 2022 and if there is no specific reason for closure, then they need to re-open it.

They have been given funding to do so, quote: “In response to the outcry, the government has allocated $150,000 to the council for the construction of new amenities. While Mayor Haberle is prepared to use these funds to rebuild the toilet block, she is also advocating for assistance with maintenance costs, which the state government has so far been unwilling to provide.” This is where the problem exists - state government against Mayor, but that doesn’t mean the public are at liberty to be disgusting enough to relieve themselves OUTSIDE a Closed Toilet Block and Campground.

The article says ‘the CAMPGROUND was closed in 2022’ so no one should have been camping there. If no one was camping there then this disgusting mess would not have happened.

More to this situation than just a closed campground with no working and available toilets. How, why was it closed, were the toilets not working, was it too expensive to maintain and many other questions/reasons for closure.

Speak up State Government and Mayor and let residents know the real reasons for closure. There are always true and responsible reasons for doing these things to ratepayers, and this article does not clearly state them. Please don't go beating around the bush, each one blaming the other authority without clear and honest reasons from each side.