The damaged septic tank near the toilet block at Paterson Golf Club.
The hits just keep on coming for the ladies of Paterson Golf Club.
Less than three weeks after the Mercury reported the disastrous state of the club’s toilets, the women are now dealing with a dangerously exposed and broken septic tank.
Ladies Golf Club vice-president Eileen Gigg said the tank was severely damaged during a visit from a tradesman who was preparing a quote for work on the toilets.
“Things keep on getting worse,” Ms Gigg said.
“But the broken tank has become our primary concern because a child or animal could drown in the tank if it is not repaired. School children come here for their running [training] and people bring their dogs for their walks, so anything could happen.
“There are also sanitary pads floating around.
“It’s disgusting and doesn’t put this area in a good light but, above all, it’s a health hazard.”
Earlier this month the Mercury revealed how the council-owned toilets were a picture of filth, neglect and dilapidation and that calls for immediate attention had fallen on deaf ears.
The women are in the process of raising money to build their own toilets at the golf club . So far they have raised $13,438 but another $10,000 is needed for work to go ahead.
“Council has offered to donate the materials to repair the toilets but the Paterson Sportsground Committee has to come up with the volunteers and no one has put their hand up,” club president Valma Patfield said.
“It’s too big a job. This won’t just be a working bee. The toilets need to be pulled down and completely redone.”
Mrs Patfield said the toilets are not only for the golfers but also for those who play netball and tennis.
“I think because we are away from the town of Dungog we have been put on the backburner and no one really cares, but this has become a real health concern and now with the exposed septic tank it’s even worse.”
Dungog Council did not respond to the Mercury’s inquiries yesterday.
