Drug use closes toilets

The increase in drug usage and users becoming incapacitated in the toilets at Woy Woy library has increased to such a level it has lead to the toilets being closed.

Similar issues have also caused concern at the Point Shopping Centre Umina, where disabled and public access toilets have been closed.

Woy Woy library was redeveloped in 2000 with separate male, female. disabled and staff toilets.

Recently the toilets were locked, only accessible by a key from the staff.

This policy was recently changed to a total lockout.

But if you delve further into the issue, parents with kids can utilize the toilet facilities while they are in the library.

This discriminates against a wide cross-section of residents, seniors, elderly and regular library user.

When Library staff were questioned why the toilets were no longer for public use, the reply was "due to increase misuse of the facilities by drug users the toilets are closed for public and staff safety".

The nearest toilets are down the road.

What happens to senior and other members of the community who often need quick regular access to toilets?

Many shopping centres, businesses and other facilities with much larger toilet facilities deal with the issues of public drug use.

A Gosford council staff member has said there has been an increase in drug usage at Woy Woy specifically and staff have had two drug users incapacitated in the toilets.

So why do Gosford Council and some property managers lockout the public from such facilities?

Do they now close all council-owned toilets?

During a Gosford Council meeting held at the Erina centre in the last two months, members of the public were not allowed to use the toilet facilities there but told the public facilities were across The Hive some 200 metres away.

The social issue and consequence of drug use transcends all levels of Government and the public have a right to know what is being done about the issue which affect the wider community's ability to use different facilities.

Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews should answer the following questions:

Has there been an increase in illegal drug sales/usage and incidents in the Woy Woy area and across the greater Gosford City?

How is the State Government dealing with this issue of drug use and users and their impact on the community's use of public facilities?

Will the allocation of only two police to the Gosford area command be sufficient in addressing this and the many related issues affecting local residents?

What regulations/requirements are there in regards to public toilets (both disabled and regular usage) in public buildings, shopping centres and other facilities business that the public frequent?

Mark Ellis Woy Woy