Lilyponds Park, in Mapleton, has long been a focal point for the Mapleton community, providing a space for recreation, events, and social gatherings. However, the recent partial collapse of the toilet shafts has underscored the urgent need for infrastructure improvements. While the immediate concern was the closure of the existing toilets due to potential health risks, this incident has also highlighted a broader issue: the inadequacy of outdated facilities in meeting the community’s needs.
Infrastructure Challenges and Council Assessment
A thorough assessment by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council determined that the current sewage system is beyond repair and cannot be connected to the main infrastructure. As a result, the council is in the process of designing a new system. However, a specific timeline for installation remains undetermined.
The Legacy of Outdated Facilities
Lilyponds Park is currently equipped with long-drop toilets, an outdated solution that no longer aligns with the needs of the community. Parents have voiced concerns about the health and safety implications of these facilities, and many residents are hesitant to use the park for casual gatherings due to the perception of unsanitary and unsafe conditions. Furthermore, large events at the park require the costly and logistically challenging process of transporting, installing, and removing temporary portable toilets. This added expense affects the viability of events such as the Mapleton Country Market and the annual Wuthering Heights of Mapleton day. The lack of adequate public amenities in Mapleton continues to present financial and operational challenges for local organisers.
MADCA’s Advocacy for Improved Facilities
The Mapleton and District Community Association (MADCA), acting on behalf of residents, has engaged with Councillor David Law to explore options for upgrading the Lilyponds toilets. However, the initial response from the council indicated that the upgrade is not a near-term priority, as resources are currently being allocated to renovating existing public toilets across the region to include shower facilities for the increasing number of homeless individuals in the region.
Despite this, the assessment of park facilities remains ongoing, and community feedback will be a crucial factor in shaping future improvements. MADCA President, Max Standage, recently informed community members that the council’s current plan for toilet replacement does not include accessible facilities for people with mobility issues. This is particularly concerning given that Mapleton lacks any public accessible toilets.
The council’s suggestion that individuals with mobility issues requiring accessible facilities travel 4km to the Mapleton National Park Day Use Area has been met with strong opposition from the community particularly as those toilets have a bollard in front of the access point. Additionally, the council has indicated that there are no capital works planned for the Lilyponds toilets in the next decade.
A Call to Action
Max Standage has emphasised the vital role the community must play in advocating for these much-needed upgrades. He stressed that community input is invaluable in influencing council decisions. By expressing strong public support for modern, accessible amenities (with ramps, wheelchair access, grab rails etc), residents can help raise awareness and push for meaningful action.
MADCA is urging its members and the wider community to write to the council, advocating for upgrades to the Lilyponds Park and Mapleton RSL Park toilets. These upgrades should prioritise increased capacity and the inclusion of accessible facilities to ensure equitable access for all residents and visitors.
See the MADCA website for more information.
Lilyponds Park is a popular and central gathering space for the Mapleton community. Ensuring that it is equipped with modern, accessible amenities is not just a practical necessity—it is a fundamental step toward fostering an inclusive and connected community.