Letter to the Editor: Toilet facilities needed for Emu Point to Surfer’s Beach walking and cycle track

How beautiful is the walking and cycling track from Emu Point to Surfer’s Beach!

Used for a quiet, shady, bushy walk by families with kids on bikes, mum’s groups with prams, elderly couples, and plenty of visitors in the holidays and long weekends.

It has such a community vibe, anchoring even more the essence of our relaxing and pristine Albany.

So, there I am enjoying a walk up to the lookout just past Griffiths Street on this track, and as I get to the seat, to enjoy the stunning view of blue sparkling ocean I am appalled and ashamed to have a view also of piles of toilet paper and accompanying detritus, right by said seat!

The Albany council with much foresight, many years ago laid this lovely track, shady, undulating and fun.

It has been increasingly obvious that it is now busier than ever due to our increasing population and visitor numbers.

How embarrassing then, for any of them to quickly have to find a place in the bush for a sudden stop.

Maybe this much-loved track has gone under the council’s radar, in providing some desperately needed infrastructure in the way of a “pit stop”.

A temporary toilet is urgently needed on this section, somewhere near Griffiths Street, then, as soon as possible, a permanent modern pit ablutions toilet.

This, at the very least, to support visitors with young families from being embarrassed by the lack of available facilities, (and others being confronted with the evidence)!

To end on a positive note, I totally agree with an observation given by the much-respected Noongar elder Vernice Gillies in the February 19 edition of the Advertiser: “We are a very lucky town, and we are the very proud owner of many firsts in WA. Perth can do an OK job, but I’ll tell you what, Albany is going to lead the way.”

‘nuff said.

Letters to the editor must contain the author’s full name, address and daytime contact number. Letters may be edited for space, clarity or legal reasons. Email news@albany advertiser.com or post to PO Box 5168 Albany, WA, 6332.