Susanna Freymark
The heavy, grey door on one of the toilets at the Mallanganee Observatory has been stolen.
Resident and Mallanganee Progress Association member Neville O’Malley has been cleaning the observatory toilets every second day and he said the theft happened between Wednesday, October 21 and Friday, October 23.
”It’s a big door,” Mr O’Malley said.
”They’ve taken the hinges and everything.”
The police have been notified.
Kyogle Council said the cost of replacing the door will depend on what is covered by insurance.
“It will depend on the final cost and whether it is higher or lower than the excess,” a council spokesperson said.
”Council is incredibly disappointed by thefts from the observatory site.
“These sorts of thefts are not victimless crimes – the cost is directly born by the council and its ratepayers who either have to fund the replacement or pay via increased insurance premiums.”
The observatory was only officially opened on April 24 (it was opened a few months before that for visitors) and 10 days after that, equipment worth $20,000 was stolen.
The offenders forced entry into the rear service corridor in the amenities block at the site and stole essential electrical infrastructure that powers the site, including lighting and water pumps for the toilets. 
How does the council stop these thefts?
Residents are asking for a live webcam or CCTV to monitor the lookout and observatory.