Two toilet blocks were damaged in the lead up to Christmas. Photo: Bega Valley Shire Council.
Authorities have called for information from the public following acts of vandalism at an Eden sportsground.
Facilities at Barclay Street Sportsground were reportedly damaged across the evenings of 16, 17 and 18 December.
Vandals destroyed the door of the Barclay Street Pavilion accessible toilet and made extensive damage to the Wave toilet block, forcing both facilities to close on Tuesday night (19 December).
The toilets were reopened for public use as of Wednesday morning (20 December).
Bega Valley Shire Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick said the recent wave of vandalism was a waste of public funds.
“Whoever is doing this, whether one person or a group, should understand that money spent to repair needless vandalism comes from our general fund, diverting money away from public projects to spend on repairs,” he said.
“These assets do not just belong to council, they are community assets.
“We mustn’t forget the serious impact this has on vulnerable people in the community.
“Aged residents in particular rely on toilet blocks being open and having them unexpectedly close can cause distress.
“This is extremely frustrating to see right before the Christmas period.”
A NSW Police spokesperson told Region incidents of “malicious damage” had been reported to police.
“Officers attached to South Coast Police District were notified of damage to the public toilet block,” they said.
“Police are investigating and urge anyone with information to contact Bega Police Station on (02) 6492 9999 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
In 2022, it was estimated vandalism was costing Bega Valley Shire more than $10,000 each year.
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