We call on National Parks to maintain the public toilets under their responsibility.
We call on National Parks to maintain the public toilets under their responsibility.
The issue
In 1998, a devastating flood completely destroyed the original toilet facilities at Mataranka Homestead constructed by national parks. In 2008 Mataranka Homestead constructed a new toilet block totally in house with no government assistance or financial contribution despite being used for day guests to the Mataranka thermal pools, one of the NT's most visited tourist attractions.
For the past two decades, we have covered all associated costs out of our own pocket, including water usage, toilet paper, soap, and the daily cleaning and maintenance required to keep the facilities operational and welcoming.
Over the years, we have repeatedly reached out to National Parks seeking support, but unfortunately, we have never received any meaningful assistance.
More recently, the March 2026 floods have once again severely impacted and damaged our business. Despite this, we are working hard to rebuild, recover, and reinvest in the future of this important tourism destination. During this challenging time, we ask not to be overlooked or forgotten.
While we are proud of the welcoming environment we have created for visitors, the financial and operational burden has become unsustainable. Mataranka Homestead continues to attract large numbers of tourists from across Australia and beyond, yet public infrastructure has not kept pace with its popularity.
We urge the Northern Territory Government and National Parks to take immediate responsibility by providing and maintaining adequate public toilet facilities at Mataranka Homestead. Essential services like these should not fall solely on the shoulders of a small private business.
Public toilets are not a luxury—they are a basic necessity for hygiene, safety, and visitor comfort. Properly maintained facilities will also enhance the reputation of the area and support sustainable tourism growth for the entire community.
By signing this petition, you are supporting a fair and practical solution that benefits visitors, protects small businesses, and ensures that one of the NT’s most treasured attractions is properly supported.
We sincerely appreciate your support.
229
The issue
In 1998, a devastating flood completely destroyed the original toilet facilities at Mataranka Homestead constructed by national parks. In 2008 Mataranka Homestead constructed a new toilet block totally in house with no government assistance or financial contribution despite being used for day guests to the Mataranka thermal pools, one of the NT's most visited tourist attractions.
For the past two decades, we have covered all associated costs out of our own pocket, including water usage, toilet paper, soap, and the daily cleaning and maintenance required to keep the facilities operational and welcoming.
Over the years, we have repeatedly reached out to National Parks seeking support, but unfortunately, we have never received any meaningful assistance.
More recently, the March 2026 floods have once again severely impacted and damaged our business. Despite this, we are working hard to rebuild, recover, and reinvest in the future of this important tourism destination. During this challenging time, we ask not to be overlooked or forgotten.
While we are proud of the welcoming environment we have created for visitors, the financial and operational burden has become unsustainable. Mataranka Homestead continues to attract large numbers of tourists from across Australia and beyond, yet public infrastructure has not kept pace with its popularity.
We urge the Northern Territory Government and National Parks to take immediate responsibility by providing and maintaining adequate public toilet facilities at Mataranka Homestead. Essential services like these should not fall solely on the shoulders of a small private business.
Public toilets are not a luxury—they are a basic necessity for hygiene, safety, and visitor comfort. Properly maintained facilities will also enhance the reputation of the area and support sustainable tourism growth for the entire community.
By signing this petition, you are supporting a fair and practical solution that benefits visitors, protects small businesses, and ensures that one of the NT’s most treasured attractions is properly supported.
We sincerely appreciate your support.
229
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Petition created on 20 April 2026