Councillors resolved seven councillors to five to rescind the DA on the eastern side of the park after nearby businesses again claimed toilets would exacerbate existing antisocial activity.

Councillor Russell Turner labelled the claims “hysterical” and said the idea of having toilets would be dead if the DA was voted down.

A further motion to return to the other approved DA, one for toilets co-located at the CWA Hall, and restart talks with the CWA was also voted down given the CWA had already expressed its desire not to pursue the matter further. 

The matter might be placed into further consultation regarding the rejuvenation of the CBD, while the state government funding allocated to the project remains up in the air.

The debate followed an apology from councillor Glenn Taylor after he targeted mayor Reg Kidd during  debate on the toilet two weeks ago. 

However, the council did approve the upgrade plans for the Lucknow service station after turning lane concerns were resolved. 

The council will also look into a master plan for Glenroi Oval to curb antisocial behaviour there and Cr Kidd will be required to put the mayoral ‘Orange’ number plates back onto the mayoral car after councillors said the car and the plates were a privilege.

A proposed requirement to have councillors undergo police checks will go back to staff for further investigation.

Full stories to come.