The following residents of the ACT draw the attention of the Assembly:
1. We acknowledge the importance of the Lyons Shops precinct and adjoining playground as a vibrant community hub in Lyons. It is a place where families gather, children play, older residents meet, and local businesses thrive.
2. The playground and shopping area attract significant daily foot traffic, including young families, elderly residents, people with disabilities, and visitors from surrounding suburbs.
3. Despite the popularity and regular use of this precinct, there are currently no accessible public toilet facilities available to support the needs of the community.
4. The absence of toilets creates significant inconvenience and, at times, distress for families with young children, older Canberrans, and those with medical conditions who require urgent access to amenities.
5. Local businesses, report frequent requests from members of the public seeking toilet access. Unfortunately, as there are no public facilities available, many people are turned away, leaving them without a dignified solution.
6. Access to clean, safe and accessible public toilets is not a luxury — it is a matter of dignity, public health, accessibility and basic community infrastructure.
7. The success of recently delivered toilet facilities at other high-use playgrounds across Canberra demonstrates that providing amenities where communities gather significantly improves the experience, safety and usability of these spaces.
Your petitioners, therefore, request the Assembly to call on the ACT Government to:
1. Assess the need for public toilet facilities at the Lyons Shops and playground precinct; and
2. Commit to the design, funding and installation of accessible public toilets at this location to ensure the dignity, safety and comfort of all community members.