Why Public Washrooms Are Important

We have all experienced it. You are running an errand and you suddenly feel the need to go to the toilet. You then realise that there are no public toilets anywhere around you. Unfortunately, it is becoming more common in Australia to find yourself in a location where you do not have access to a public toilet.

Why is There Not Enough Public Toilets?

It usually has to do with money. Whether they are run by the council or a business, one of the main reasons that washrooms are closed from the public is due to lack of funding. With the council, people would argue that providing toilet facilities is important. But with schools, rubbish collection and roads to maintain, when it comes to cutting costs, unfortunately washrooms often take the hit.

Anger about the shortages in public toilets has been voiced to local area governments. This is especially true in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. Catalysts include councils reducing the toilets available on their transport networks and many businesses adding usage restrictions. The problem is that many city planners have relied on the increase of cafe and restaurant businesses to remedy the issue. Recognising a problem, Sydney Council is now implementing a strategy to motivate businesses to open up their toilets for public use. They are also investing over 8 million in new washroom facilities in the city.

Why Are Public Washrooms so Important?

Washrooms scarcity is an important issue because it effects everyone. Having to use the toilet is a basic human need. Over time the decision to provide the facilities has changed from being seen as a necessity to that of an added luxury.

Not having enough public toilets also has both social and financial impacts. A study in the UK found that 1 in 5 people avoid going out as often if there is a lack of public toilets. More toilets also mean there will be more tourists to the areas. There are even apps that people use to locate toilets used by millions of people. Another social impact comes from the disparity between men and women. Studies found that while 59 percent of women have to cue to use the toilet in busy areas, only 11 percent of men did.

A lack of public toilets also disproportionately effects those with illness and disabilities. The number of people in Australia who suffer from bowel or bladder problems is on the rise.  It is estimated to be over 5 million. Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, urinary incontinence, crohn’s disease and food allergies mean that people are needing the toilet more often and with greater urgency. These conditions effect millions of Australians but are embarrassing for people to talk about. Many of these people simply avoid going out due to the added stress. Parents of young people also suffer from the lack of facilities. This is because they have the added need to change the diapers of their babies and young children.

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