A local resident has approached the Mail over concerns about the lack of functional, safe and accessible female toilets at the Castlemaine Magistrates Court.
Pauline Pope said while many people appreciate being able to have matters heard locally at our Magistrates Court facility, she queried why are there are no functional female-only toilets available for the public attending the local court.
Ms Pope said she understands the female toilets at the facility have been out of action for about six months now and female court attendees are currently advised to walk a hundred metres down the street to use a public facility.
“Females with disabilities are advised their only other option is to use the male-only facility which features an open urinal beside the door through which users enter,” she said.
Ms Pope said the dysfunctional toilet blocks are also tucked away, out of sight, at the rear of the court building.
“They are old and filthy and over-ripe for replacement. Their accessibility doesn’t pass muster at all. The toilets are reached by following a broken path up a slight incline which is difficult, but possible, to do if you’re using a walker or a cane, but it’s utterly impossible if you’re independently using a wheelchair. The possibility of tripping on the broken path is very real for the short-sighted,” she said.
Ms Pope said is concerned the isolated location of the toilet blocks also makes it particularly dangerous for females attending the court for Intervention Order matters.
“The male subjects of those orders are likely to stalk their victims within the court precinct. The toilet location, combined with its lack of security, makes it an ideal site for bullying to be conducted with impunity,” she said.
The local resident questioned why has this situation been allowed to fester for over six months now?
“A public building housing a public service must provide accessible and safe toilet facilities. How can a court operate outside of the very law it’s meant to apply?
Ms Pope said functional and accessible toilets are an absolute necessity for court attendees who may be required to wait in the court for up to seven hours before their matters are heard.
“The local community cannot afford to lose the Magistrates Court. Many elderly, disabled and impoverished local residents are not able to travel to Bendigo to seek justice. This makes it imperative for council and other responsible bodies to ensure that the toilet situation is resolved post haste,” she said.
In the meantime she urges authorities to get a decent portaloo on site.
The Mail has since learned that Court Services Victoria (CSV) is responsible for managing court facilities in Victoria.
A CSV spokesperson told the Mail the CSV is committed to ensuring that court buildings are safe, secure and accessible for all court users.
“CSV is currently undertaking planning for an approved plan of works for upgrades at the Castlemaine Court, and is preparing design and tender documentation for Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant works,” the spokesperson said.
“The works will include Ambulant and DDA-compliant toilets within the new waiting area; a DDA compliant entrance to the new waiting area; a new DDA compliant path from the street into the new waiting area/registry office; and egress from the new waiting area into the registry office,” she said.
It is currently expected that the works’ tender will be issued in February 2023.