General News
6 March, 2024
Walkers' safety at risk
Residents near a 20-year-old boardwalk spanning the Yarriambiack Creek have concerns about the amount of time it has taken to be repaired, and the safety issues surrounding its closure.
Residents near a 20-year-old boardwalk spanning the Yarriambiack Creek have concerns about the amount of time it has taken to be repaired, and the safety issues surrounding its closure.
Yarriambiack Shire Council closed the Kokoda-Craig Avenue boardwalk after it was damaged by a falling tree limb in January, forcing people to walk on the road instead which poses a high risk for pedestrians.
The boardwalk attracts walkers with children, prams, wheelchairs and gophers who now have to take the risk of walking along the road.
Originally the boardwalk was placed there to resolve the same road safety issues that are now occurring.
Nearby residents Ian Smith, Andrew Bish and Peter Schilling spoke to a Warracknabeal Herald journalist about their concerns.
Mr Smith said he knew of two wheelchair users who regularly used the boardwalk and now they had to try to get through the gravel on the side of the road.
“They are very close to being hit,” Mr Smith said.
“People come so fast around that bend.”
Mr Bish said motorists couldn’t see anything coming around the bend because of the trees.
“Mostly it’s fine, but you get those people who drive like crazy,” Mr Bish said.
Mr Schilling said people would be surprised how many pedestrians used the boardwalk on a regular basis.
His major concern, alongside Mr Smith and Mr Bish, was the safety aspect.
“Woodbine uses the area regularly so there’s lots of traffic that passes by,” Mr Schilling said.
He pointed out that the prime walking times were in the morning and at night.
“You see people walking in the dark,” Mr Schilling said.
“We are very fortunate to have a walking track around the creek.
“We have visitors from the caravan park walk through and take photos from the boadwalk.”
Due to its age, the original construction of the boardwalk comprises materials that are now prohibited.
Yarriambiack Shire Council chief executive Tammy Smith confirmed council has been liaising with the appropriate organisations to see the boardwalk repaired, including Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DECCA) who own the land the boardwalk sits on.
“Council has been working closely with the Yarriambiack Creek Development Committee and DEECA officers to assess and rectify the damage as soon as possible,” Mrs Smith said.
“The good news is that an inspection by our municipal building surveyor revealed the main impact was confined to one bay with only minor damage to adjacent areas, alleviating concerns about extensive repairs or building permits.
“Council is in constant communication with DEECA to expedite the restoration process, understanding the boardwalk footbridge’s significance to the community.”