93 people took part in the consultation. Of those:

• 55% are aged 35 - 49
• 60% are female
• over 80% live in Kew
• 59% visit the park a few times each week.

• Supports longer visits, making it easier to enjoy picnics, BBQs and community events.
• A toilet can be an asset to the park and encourage more visitors.
• It’s much needed because there are no other public toilets nearby.

“Great idea. Lots of families eat dinner, picnics at BBQ in Fordham Gardens. I walk through with friends and dogs nearly 7 days a week. Please go ahead with the toilet!!”

“Great idea. As someone now retired the more safe, clean public toilets the better.”

“This park and surrounding area needs a toilet as there are no facilities nearby. This park is well utilised and this would enhance the park usage.”

Among those who shared their view with us, 12% (11 people) said “no” and 3 were unsure for the following reasons:

• there were concerns about late-night parties or anti-social behaviour
• some worried about cleanliness and ongoing maintenance of the toilet
• some residents suggested alternative locations within the park.

“I think a toilet at Eglinton Park would be a bad idea and would add more anti-social behaviour of which we already have too much of in the area.”

“This is a small park that seems to be exclusively used by residents hyper local to the park, myself included. My experience of toilets in Boroondara is that they are not well maintained, generally dirty and attract anti social behaviour.”

"Support for a toilet but disagree with the proposed location.”

We appreciate the thoughtful concerns raised during consultation. Below, we’ve outlined what’s happening and how we’re addressing them.

Location

Some residents suggested placing the toilet near the undercover picnic shelter. We have explored this and other potential locations. The proposed site is the most feasible because it:

• avoids a flood-prone area near the shelter that could cause long-term maintenance issues
• allows space for a future parking bay to be installed near the toilet, with improved accessible features for people using wheelchairs and older community members
• protects large tree roots in other parts of the park
• connects to existing water and sewer infrastructure.

To help maintain privacy, the toilet will be near trees and set back about 9 metres from the nearest property.

Prioritising safety and anti-social behaviour

Our community’s safety and wellbeing are our top priority. We recognise some residents may be worried about anti-social behaviour around public toilets. The new design has been carefully planned with features that make the facility secure, accessible and community-friendly. This includes:

• Using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles: The toilet will be positioned so it’s visible from the playground and park, faces busy paths and avoids any hiding spots or obstructions. The hand basin will be located outside the toilet for easy family use and the layout makes sure there are clear sightlines from both the playground and the basketball court.
• Timed closures: Toilets will automatically close at 7 pm from April to October and 9 pm from November to March to reduce the risk of late-night misuse.
• Lighting: There will be lighting inside and outside to improve visibility and help people feel safe after dark. The outside lights will stay on during operating hours using a timer and sensor.
• Vandal-resistant design: Both the interior and exterior will be built to withstand damage.

Maintaining the cleanliness of the toilet

Some residents have told us they’re worried about cleanliness, hygiene and ongoing maintenance. To address this, a new cleaning and maintenance contract is now in place and includes:

• Daily cleaning: as well as checks for toilet paper, cleanliness and general upkeep.
• Weekly cleaning: A thorough deep clean will take place once a week.
• Repairs: Any issues, such as blocked toilets or broken fixtures, will be reported to us by the cleaners and fixed promptly. We’ll also have signage on the public toilets with contact details, so the community can report problems to us straight away.
• Ongoing reviews: Council staff will regularly inspect the facility to make sure it meets community expectations.

125 people participated in the consultation. Of those:

• nearly 35% are aged between 35-49
• 60% are female
• over 80% live in Camberwell
• 56% visit the park a few times each week.

• Supports longer visits, making it easier to enjoy picnics, BBQs and community events.
• A toilet can be an asset to the park and encourage more visitors.
• It’s much needed because there are no other public toilets nearby.

“Great idea. Lots of families eat dinner, picnics at BBQ in Fordham Gardens. I walk through with friends and dogs nearly 7 days a week. Please go ahead with the toilet!!”

“Great idea. As someone now retired the more safe, clean public toilets the better.”

“This park and surrounding area needs a toilet as there are no facilities nearby. This park is well utilised and this would enhance the park usage.”

Among those who shared their view with us, 31% (39 people) said “no” and 2 were unsure for the following reasons:

• Some feel a toilet isn’t needed because the park is seen as a space for nearby residents who have access to bathrooms at home.
• Installing a toilet could reduce the amount of green space available for other activities.
• Some worry a toilet might attract undesirable behaviour and make the park less appealing.
• Some feel the toilet should be located near shopping strips or busier areas like Hartwell Station – not in a small park.
• The toilet may impact on the garden’s landscape and heritage, including possible tree removal.

“We live a few streets away and visit this park ever since day. Whilst we really appreciate the councils’ efforts to provide more public toilet locations in the area, we don’t feel Fordham Gardens is appropriate. The gardens are quiet, and beautiful. The inclusion of a toilet space runs the risk of attracting unsavoury behavior and unhygienic practices.”

"There is concern that such a facility attracts undesirable elements and makes the park a less appealing place to visit.”

“Fordham Garden is a beautiful natural garden with a rich history. Building a new toilet will permanently affect the garden's current landscape and heritage.”

Location of toilet

Some residents suggested installing the toilet closer to Camberwell Road. We have explored this and other potential locations. The proposed site is the most feasible because it:

• provides convenient access near the playground for families and caregivers
• can support commuters coming to and from Camberwell Station
• is positioned away from the street, reflecting community preferences
• avoids flood zones and easements.

A toilet at Hartwell Station isn’t planned because the Public Toilet Strategy focuses on sites on Council land – Hartwell Station is on state government land. Wayfinding signs will guide users from these busy areas to the public toilet.

Maintaining the look and feel of the park

During consultation on the Public Toilet Strategy, the community told us they want facilities that feel welcoming, safe and suited to local parks. The new toilet will be locally designed to fit the park’s character and meet the needs of visitors.

Instead of using an Exeloo style toilet, the new design:

• blends into the natural surroundings with its green and cream colours
• includes extra features to suit community needs
• deters loitering and vandalism.

To make space for the new toilet, one tree that is currently in poor health will be removed.

Exploring bigger parks

During consultation, many residents highlighted the need for more public toilets in open spaces, with Fordham Gardens mentioned frequently.

As a well-used location for weddings, community events and other gatherings, the addition of a toilet will help visitors enjoy the gardens more comfortably and for longer periods.

Undesirable behaviour

We understand some people may have concerns about public toilets attracting undesirable behaviour. Safety is a big focus in our design – with open sightlines, doors that lock automatically at night, indoor and outdoor lighting during operating hours, daily cleaning and regular maintenance.