'These will be the most expensive toilets in town'

The games arcade has been highly patronised by young people and their parents since it opened earlier this year.

Knowing he is onto a winner, owner Greg Appleton is working seven days a week to keep up with the demands of the business.

He is also seeking to expand and is in the process of adding a laser tag game to the premises.

The timber has already been delivered and work has already begun on the space, which will be called Fortress.

He has also paid for the equipment, which will be arriving on December 3.

But his plans for expansion have hit a snag because of what he regards as "excessive water and sewer costs".

It is a council requirement that Mr Appleton add two new toilets to the arcade. There is already an existing multi-use toilet there.

He was advised by his architect that these costs could be as much as $14,000, based on the council's section 64 contributions alone, to connect the new bathrooms to the city's sewer.

It's understood the council is reviewing Mr Appleton's situation since the business owner first approached the newspaper for help.

With all of his other costs, he simply doesn't have that kind of money to spare, Mr Appleton said.

The laser tag project will have to be shelved if he can't find a way through "the labyrinth of council requirements".

"The bathrooms are costing me $8000 simply to install," he said.

"So to add a $14,000 cost to that ... I am simply gob smacked at the cost! The laser tag equipment itself only cost $25,000 in total.

"These will be the most expensive toilets in town. I bet even Donald Trump's toilet in the White House didn't cost that much.

"With such costs, is there any wonder why Auburn Street is empty? Why there's nothing new in Goulburn? Why very few dare to dream about a change of use for a location?

"Between the council's fees, regulation and heritage, this town will suffer and become a ghost town in my opinion.

"If you're interested in opening a business in Goulburn, read your fine print, ask what the hidden costs are from the council, get ready for stress like you've never known, and put your personal life on hold."

The Post approached the council for comment on Tuesday as to whether the $14,000 charge for sewer connection was "excessive" and whether there was discretion to assist the business owners bring the laser tag room to Goulburn.

Meanwhile, Mr Appleton said the council's general manager Warwick Bennett had since been in contact and advised him the council was "reviewing the situation".

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