The Fox River community says it is happy to lose its flash new public toilets to Springs Junction and has a better idea - a long drop.
The Buller District Council received government funding last year for new toilets at Fox, but not for Springs Junction. Then the Kaikoura earthquake happened, resulting in a huge increase of traffic at Springs.
The council transferred the Fox toilet funding and provided six new portacom toilets, costing almost $200,000, at Springs.
Fox resident Ross Smith told last night's council meeting the community "collectively breathed a sigh of relief" when the toilet block went to Springs.
"To be honest, it's not the sort of toilet that suits us."
The proposed toilet site in Fox riverside carpark would have also created traffic problems and was subject to flooding, he said.
The community wanted to provide a long-drop toilet in a more secure grass paddock on the sea side of the road. It also wanted clean fresh water for handwashing.
People who camped there would be asked for a donation of $10 per night per vehicle, or $20 if the vehicle was full. The money collected would go back to improving facilities.
People who couldn't or wouldn't pay might be asked to move on, Mr Smith said.
The community didn't want to be in the position of seeking resource consent for a mini motor camp because it would take forever and be costly.
"All we are trying to do is get ahead of a potential problem and we have had a problem of a certain size for years. We have cleaned up and tidied up ourselves and we are now at the point where we'd like a bit of council assistance so we can provide a bit of regularity and seriousness to the situation."
Cr Dave Hawes said council needed more information, such as who owned the proposed toilet/camping area site, before making a decision.
Group manager, assets and infrastructure, Mike Duff agreed. He said the council also needed to consider the water table and coastal erosion.
Cr Jamie Cleine said he was worried the community was planning a "motor camp by stealth" for which it didn't want to seek resource concern.
"I just have concerns we are partly funding some quasi motor camp in competition to commercial enterprises that could otherwise be in the area."
He was also concerned about what would happen when key Fox River residents were no longer there.
The council decided to delay any decision until after a workshop scheduled for Punakaiki in February. Meanwhile, it will suggest the Fox River community seeks council community grant funding of $2000 to $3000 for a toilet and water supply.
