Forget building a new toilet block on Whanganui's Moutoa Quay and cover the River Traders Market instead.
That's the suggestion from Whanganui District Councillor Rob Vinsen who opposes the conversion of a disused dangerous goods store on Moutoa Quay into a toilet facility aimed at freedom campers.
The proposal to convert the store was raised at last week's Whanganui District Council Property and Community Services committee. After an hour of robust discussion it was decided to adjourn the debate for a future meeting.
Mr Vinsen said he had consulted with architect Bruce Dickson who confirmed that a stage two development of the Tramshed included public toilet facilities.
"Bruce provided me with the plans for the Tramshed construction which included a stage two extension. I do not believe that this is ever likely to happen, but the plans clearly identify that extra public toilet cubicles could be cost effectively added to the existing tramshed cubicles - that is if one believes that more toilets are necessary in this location," Mr Vinsen said.
"My guess is that the cost saving would be about $100,000 on that planned to be spent on the Dangerous Goods Store. Most importantly access privacy is easily attainable with a entrance from Taupo Quay."
There were a number of better options for the old dangerous goods storeroom than a public toilet, Mr Vinsen said.
"The $130,000 could provide a covered market space which incorporates the dangerous goods store. The store could convert to a servery, add a nice heritage verandha around it and it would make a very good outdoor coffee spot or retail.
"More importantly, a rentable space would be created to provide more council income and a new business start up would be created."
He said the debate brought into focus a lack of council policy around freedom campers, a point raised at last week's meeting by councillor Kate Joblin who said a policy on freedom camping should come before a decision is taken about the new toilet facility.
"The other major issue to consider besides the inappropriate use of a prime site, is the encouragement of freedom camping."
Mr Vinsen said Freedom Camping was a major issue for many council's across the country - but not at the moment locally.
"It is timely that we address this before we consider encouraging more of it in our most visible areas.
"There is little problem associated with self contained campervans, but my observance at Moutoa Quay suggests that at least 60 per cent of the vehicles staying overnight there are not self contained."
He said council should not encourage non self-contained vehicles in Moutoa Quay - "and providing a new toilet there will do just that."
Appropriate signage could prohibit this type of camper and direct them to a suitable location to park, he said.
He suggested Kowhai Park as a possible alternative location but would need after-hours access. Behind the Town Wharf near the Whanganui River Trust Building, was another possible location. "There are two options for toilets at this site - gain access to the Trust Building, or locate a new toilet there like the one installed recently at Peat Park which cost $64,000."
The committee meets again next month.