A PUBLIC disabled toilet was set ablaze at Riverside Park in a weekend incident described as “beyond comprehension”.
Swan Hill CFA were called to Monash Drive about 8.30pm on Saturday night and extinguished the fire, which was believed to have been started in the toilet’s bin.
Swan Hill police Senior Sergeant Deb Palmer said police believed the fire was deliberately lit.
“Two suspects are currently assisting police with inquiries,” Sen-Sgt Palmer said.
“There was a witness at the scene who identified these two young people loitering in the area, and both have spoken with police.
“We still need witnesses to come forward if they’ve seen anyone entering or exiting the toilet around that time.”
The fire left the disabled toilet unusable.
Swan Hill Mayor Stuart King described the incident as “gut-wrenching to see”.
“I really just can’t understand what motivates people to do this sort of stuff,” he said.
“It’s just beyond comprehension and is really disappointing, particularly for any sort of public facility.
“These things like public toilets are there for the benefit of all of the public, I just don’t understand why they would be targeted.
“There’s been so much work put into Riverside Park over a number of years.
“I was down there for the market on Sunday morning and there were so many people utilising the area, these facilities are there for people to use so they can enjoy the area.
“It’s such a great place to hang out, but it’s all pointless to have such a wonderful space for people if they don’t have a toilet.”
Cr King said the disabled toilet would need to be closed for almost two weeks, and the refurbishment could cost more than $10,000.
“Structurally the building is fine, so as far as I know the male and female toilets either side will remain open,” he said.
“The disabled toilet basically needs an entire new fit-out. I’m only ballparking this figure but it’s looking to be between $10,000 and $20,000.
Cr King said the council were looking into placing security cameras on the external walls of facilities in an attempt to curb these incidents.
“Council has the funding, budget and plans to install security cameras at some of our public facilities,” he said.
“Obviously they won’t be inside the toilets, but they can be outside.
“That’s a project that council are working through, but it’s just so disappointing that we even have to think about this.
“That’s another expense to ratepayers, in order to try to deter these acts occurring.”
Cr King expressed his gratitude to Swan Hill’s firefighters.
“I give my heartfelt thanks to Swan Hill Fire Brigade,” he said.
“They were all enjoying the one night a year they get for their annual presentation night, and the members turned out without hesitation and responded.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or Swan Hill police.
