The public toilets at one of the Coast’s main bus stations have been closed for months, reportedly due to vandalism, but the levels of government appear to be at a stalemate over who is responsible for them.
The facilities at the Maroochydore bus interchange, outside Sunshine Plaza on Horton Parade, include public toilets, showers and a bike storage area, all of which are closed.
Sunshine Coast Council and Translink, which is operated by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), have pointed to the other as the authority responsible for the facilities.
Reader Diane Derby initially made Sunshine Coast News aware of the issue in late July, after learning that public amenities costing more than $1 million were being planned for Quota Park at Noosaville.
“What about the toilets, shower facilities and bicycle lock-up at Maroochydore bus transit depot, which have been closed for months?” she wrote.
She said she wrote to the council about the closure and was informed “they will not be reopened again due to vandalism”.
‘Out of service’ signage on the facilities carries Sunshine Coast Council branding, and the federal government’s National Public Toilet Map says they are provided by the council.
SCN inquired with the council about the amenities but was told it was not responsible for them.
“The facilities at the Maroochydore bus stop are not owned by Sunshine Coast Council, they are owned by TMR,” a spokesperson said.
“Council was servicing them as part of an arrangement but this was discontinued in early May 2024 and the signage is a residual of this previous arrangement.”
SCN also inquired with Translink and TMR, which referred the matter back to Translink.
“There is a shared responsibility for the Maroochydore station facility between TMR and Sunshine Coast Council,” a Translink spokesperson said.
“Sunshine Coast Council is responsible for maintaining the amenity facilities at the site.
“TMR will work with Sunshine Coast Council to resolve the issue.”
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SCN asked a series of questions to the council, Translink and TMR, none of which were answered. These included: When did the facilities close and why?; Can you provide details on the nature and extent of the vandalism?; What alternative amenities are currently available for people using the Maroochydore transit depot?; and Are there plans to reopen the facilities?
SCN also inquired with Queensland Police about the Maroochydore bus interchange, which said no ongoing issues had been reported there.
“Maroochydore police regularly and proactively patrol the local public transport hubs as part of business-as-usual policing,” a spokesperson said.
Ms Derby estimated the facilities had been closed for at least six months and said they needed to be fixed.
“Maroochydore is an extremely busy place, not only for locals that travel on the buses but for tourists also,” she said.
“With millions spent on the Olympics, one would expect facilities in the area.
“Considering this bus terminal is a large transit area for not only locals but tourists, there definitely needs to be some public convenience.
“The closest toilets are at the Plaza near Kmart.
“I had used the toilets and they certainly were not in great condition – there was no lock on one door, graffiti on the walls and dirty floors.
“I’m not sure of the answer but whoever’s responsibility it is they need to take some accountability and action.”
