The goal was to raise $22,000 to build a remote area toilet on the TLC’s Skullbone Plains Reserve. Reducing human impact on the environment is a crucial part of managing our reserves for the future. Here we delve into some of the details of the campaign and give a progress report on the building of Skullbone Plains finest facility.
THE LOO CAMPAIGN
The crowdfunding campaign, which wrapped up on November 20th 2016, raised an impressive $24,412. It would not have been possible without the unwavering support of all of our donors. Every dollar donated has made a valuable contribution to protecting the natural beauty of Skullbone Plains. A huge thank you is extended to all those who chipped in to this campaign. There were a total of 117 supporters who donated and provided us with a noteworthy log of toilet humour-inspired comments. Thank you to everyone who shared our Pozible campaign, not only for ensuring that we met our fundraising goal, but also for helping to share the work and vision of the TLC. There were plenty of donations from within the Tassie community and some from as far flung as Mexico, an inspiring result for our first ever foray into crowdfunding.
Look at how amazing this place is.
The campaign was backed with the generous support of local Tasmanian artist Josh Pringle who created some unique artworks inspired by Skullbone Plains. His creative sketches featuring some of the flora and fauna found at the site were transformed into stickers, tote bags, patches and even beautifully wrapped ‘bog’ roll. These items formed a major component of the awards given to donors.
Josh is an enthusiastic nature-lover and adventure seeker. ‘I can’t help but be inspired by nature,’ says Josh, when asked about his involvement in the ‘Loo with a View project’. ‘I don’t think I could pass up any job that involves a name like Skullbone Plains. How rad is that?’ Josh’s work has now been distributed to campaign supporters, who received their unique campaign rewards in March. Josh says he really enjoyed being involved in something that makes a difference. ‘I feel it is important to give something back to the environment that has given me so much joy. I want to use my skills to inspire people to experience Tassie’s amazing landscapes and do their bit to preserve its wonder.’ Huge thanks go to Josh for his fantastic contribution.
Another critical supporter was loo designer Nick Clark. With his dedication to environmental architecture, Nick was the perfect person to take on our loo design challenge. He completed an internship at TLC whilst undertaking his studies in Environmental Management and it is great to have the chance to work with Nick again. ‘It’s not often that you get the opportunity to design a dunny in the Wilderness World Heritage Area,’ says Nick. ‘We were after something a little bit fun and playful, but also functional for the remote environmentally sensitive site,’ he says of his design. ‘Infrastructure projects like Loo with a View play a really important role in managing reserves by helping to control visitor impacts, and I think it’s vital that people are able to see and experience places like Skullbone Plains.’
We are absolutely thrilled to have had the generous backing and expertise of Nick, who shared his passion for protecting the landscape. ‘It is so rare to find ecosystems which haven’t been significantly altered by modern society. It’s hard not to feel a sense of responsibility to conserve places like that.’ A massive thank you goes to Nick for his hard work and considered design.
At the core of TLC’s values is the belief that our strength comes from involving people at every stage of our work. Connecting with highly skilled supporters like Nick and Josh allows us to access a wealth of knowledge and talent from within the community. People who are committed to our campaigning are integral to all that we do. We want to extend thanks to all of the donors and skilled volunteers who helped make Loo with a view a reality.
WHEN WILL THE LOO BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS?
With the funds raised we have purchased the necessary materials to build the loo. We are excited to be shortly getting started on the construction phase. It will be built in Hobart by TLC Reserve Manager Tim Devereux over winter, before being trucked up to Skullbone Plains for installation. Site visits have been completed to finalise the location of the Skullbone throne. We aim to have it firmly planted in its new home in time for the busy summer season towards the end of this year.
Stay tuned for details on the lavatory launch of the year, which will take place in conjunction with a Skullbone Plains Discovery Day once the work is complete. Supporters will be most welcome to make a deposit when the loo is in place.