Athol toilets

With the increase in tourist numbers through the Athol township over the Christmas holiday season the septic tank at the Athol public toilet failed to cope with the demand. Council staff provided four portaloos as an interim solution while they investigated options to solve the issue. A potential solution involving the installation of a new septic tank and disposal field was among those considered.

However, while this process was being undertaken, Council was approached by a member of the public with an offer to use existing toilets within the township. These toilets were previously used as the public toilets prior to the new one being installed at the hall. Following Council’s “Small Council, Big Community” philosophy, staff worked with elected members and the member of the public to come to an arrangement suitable to both parties. This arrangement will provide Council with the opportunity to review the status of the facilities it has along the northern scenic route from Queenstown to Milford Sound and determine the long term strategic requirements needed to meet future demands.

The Athol hall is still open for use as the septic tank is able to cope with the demand placed on it by hall users.