The council says the building is being removed to make way for a brand new facility to be constructed as part of the $1.7 million revamp of nearby Robinson Reserve.

Brock Lamont, the community recreation coordinator, said that the new toilets would be located just 180m away and would "meet current access standards, provide four public toilets, an external wash basin and a bubbler".

"The combined maintenance and cleaning costs for the existing building are $15,000 a year," he said.

"By keeping this toilet block, it reduces the council's potential to do more for the community - meaning less repairs, less cleaning, less maintenance.

"The building was constructed over 40 years ago and its condition has deteriorated significantly. The building also contains asbestos material."

A petition initiated by the South Tomaree Community Association, calling on the council to retain the Ocean Avenue amenities, had collected 482 signatures in one week.

"The Anna Bay community needs more public amenities not less. Currently, this is one of only two public toilet blocks in an area with a population of more than 3,800 people," the association's Christine Mitchell said.

"The association fully supports the Robinson Reserve upgrade, however, with all the residents and influx of tourists in our area we feel keeping a perfectly good and useful toilet block is a good idea.

"We feel this is a vital facility that will continue to cater for a range of users from Birubi Beach and Iris Moore Reserve to Birubi Point Cemetery and the Tomaree National Park walkway."

Mr Lamont said the new direction was in accordance with the adopted Birubi Point Aboriginal Place master plan, Birubi Point Aboriginal Place management plan and Robinson Reserve concept plan.

"All of these documents have undergone comprehensive community consultation prior to adoption by the council," he added.