Lismore Toilet Building Upgrades
Lismore City Council faced a critical challenge: rebuilding public toilet infrastructure in a region repeatedly impacted by severe flooding. Existing facilities were unsafe, non-compliant, and structurally compromised. Some had roofs torn off, others had fixtures destroyed beyond repair. Modus had already proven capable.
A building we supplied years earlier for Lismore CBD had survived multiple flood events requiring only basin replacements, while other toilet buildings failed.
Council's head of maintenance pushed for Modus based on this track record of minimal upkeep. Over 12 months, Lismore worked with Bennett Constructions and Modus to deliver prefabricated modular toilets across 13 sites.
Challenges and Project Needs
Lismore is one of Australia's most flood-prone urban centres. Annual flooding takes a toll on public infrastructure, and the catastrophic eastern Australia floods in 2022 pushed many facilities beyond repair. Council faced a significant rebuild:
- Existing toilet blocks were in poor and deteriorating condition
- Non-compliant facilities that didn't meet accessibility standards
- Buildings suffered from extensive vandalism and prolonged exposure to harsh weather
- A community that required safe, accessible, clean amenities across multiple sites
The council required delivery partners who could design and build for extreme weather, tight timelines, and multiple site contexts and who had already proven they could deliver in Lismore's conditions.
Our Response
Modus worked alongside Lismore City Council, and Bennett Constructions to deliver prefabricated public toilet buildings across the region. Modus in collaboration with Lismore and Bennett developed initial designs for the ten sites. Modus executed those designs and supplied the buildings. Bennett Constructions handled installation, with Modus consulting throughout on design adjustments and any issues that arose on site.
The focus was clear:
- Flood resilient design solutions
- Durability for low maintenance and long service life.
- Accessibility to meet compliance and community needs
- Vandal resistance to ensure usability and longevity
- Design flexibility to suit heritage, sporting and recreational settings
Flood-Ready by Design
Modus buildings are engineered specifically for flood-prone environments:
- Raised wall panels allow floodwaters to pass through instead of building pressure.
- Non-porous materials like galvanised steel, aluminium cladding, and epoxy or sealed concrete flooring resist water damage.
- Stainless steel fixtures are rust-resistant and durable, even after prolonged water exposure.
- Our modular panel system makes it easy to replace damaged sections after a flood.
- Elevated electrical systems keep outlets and wiring above flood levels and reduce moisture risks.
Learn how to design flood-resilient toilet buildings
Get the essentials right from the start. Our flood-resilient checklist covers risk assessment, drainage management, and post-flood recovery to help you deliver public amenities built to last
Put to the Test by Cyclone Alfred
Just days after installations wrapped in early March 2025, Tropical Cyclone Alfred swept through Lismore. The Wilsons River peaked at 9.31m, causing widespread flooding. While surrounding infrastructure faltered, the new Modus buildings held strong. With only a simple wash-down, facilities were back in operation.
Site-Specific Solutions
Modus delivered amenities across 13 sites, each with its own requirements. The map below shows where they are, with two additional sites at Dungarubba and Wyrallah not pictured.
Each site came with its own requirements, and Modus delivered tailored designs to suit:
Railway Station: In South Lismore, the new amenities serve users of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. Nine cubicles (including ambulant and wheelchair accessible) were installed with heritage-themed graphic panels featuring a 1900s photograph of the original station, a nod to local identity.
Community Ovals and Sporting Venues: At several parks, we integrated servery kiosks with sliding hatches into the buildings. These allow sporting clubs and event staff to serve food and manage operations during matches or community events. Many buildings also feature forward-facing bench seating, so spectators can sit and enjoy games.
Bushfire resistance: Some sites required design modifications to meet bushfire attack level (BAL) fire ratings. We adjusted the ACP and internal cladding to ensure the building met bushfire resilience standards without compromising flood performance.
Family-Friendly Features: Many of the universal access toilets (UATs) include junior pans and stainless steel baby change tables, allowing them to function like parent rooms while maintaining full AS1428 compliance.
An Outstanding Result
Delivered over a 12-month program jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, the project has already proven its value. The buildings are secure, accessible, clean, and flood-ready.
"Upgrades like these may seem simple, but they make a big difference in helping communities reconnect, recover and feel supported in their everyday lives."
Kristy McBain, Federal Minister for Emergency Management
"This upgrade for safe and accessible public facilities makes our parks and open spaces more usable, welcoming and inclusive. We're supporting the local clubs, families and community groups who rely on this space every day."
Tara Moriarty, NSW Minister for Regional Development
