Travellers have been left unimpressed by the poor decorations of white streamers hanging from trees at various outback rest stops.
As summer fades and tourists with caravans venture into northern Australia, they have begun raising concerns regarding the lack of amenities at rest areas.
The issue likewise frustrates some individuals journeying south.
“Once you cross into South Australia from the Northern Territory, the number of available toilets doesn’t just decrease; it disappears entirely,” remarked Michael, a resident of the Northern Territory.
“This leads to a situation where every rest area along the Stuart Highway is cluttered with toilet paper and other waste, which is quite unpleasant.
“When nature calls, people will respond.”
Rebutting claims about insufficient restroom facilities at rest areas, South Australia’s director of planning, transport, and infrastructure, Paul Gelston, stated that since 2007, 39 new toilet facilities and 37 renovations for ones at major arterial roads have been completed, including locations on the Dukes Highway, Port Augusta Road, Port Wakefield Road, the Stuart Highway, and the South Eastern Freeway.
He acknowledged, however, that challenges arise from the expenses linked with building and maintaining restroom facilities, the costs associated with water, and addressing vandalism.
According to Mr. Gelston, merely keeping the toilets clean incurs a substantial cost.
One facility located at the remote Bon Bon has an annual cleaning expense exceeding $17,000, while another restroom at Ranges View demands $11,000 each year.
He explained that the absence of toilets at certain roadside stops is part of a conscious strategy aimed at encouraging visitors to stop in regional towns.
“We would love to add more facilities and rest stops to promote safe driving, but we must also consider not undermining local businesses, shops, and community services,” he noted.
Mr. Gelston mentioned that the budget for toilets must be weighed against other essential commitments, including road maintenance and development of new roads.
“It’s important to remember that in South Australia, the distances between many towns are quite vast. Unlike Queensland and some other regions, we may not have as many towns in close proximity,” he stated.
Barbara, a resident of Ceduna, emphasized that visitors to remote areas should employ common sense and bury their waste at locations lacking toilets.
“Everyone must take some accountability for the litter at rest stops; carrying a garden trowel and covering it up is key. Many complain, yet they could take action instead,” she stated.
Mr. Gelston dismissed claims of health risks and encouraged travellers to help maintain the restroom facilities that exist.
“The essence of the matter is that we ask everyone to treat the available facilities with care. We could save so much money if we didn’t have to address issues like vandalism,” he remarked.
