For almost two years a key shared-user footpath linking Milton to Mollymook, Narrawallee and Mollymook Beach remains in a state of disrepair with locals, including mums and dads with prams, and kids on bikes forced to navigate dangerous conditions to get to their destination.
Liberal Candidate at the upcoming Shoalhaven City Council elections for Ward Three Luke Sikora said the state of the footpath on Matron Porter Drive was “unacceptable” and called on Shoalhaven City Council to explain when the footpath will be repaired.
Mr Sikora also said there was an urgent need for Council to conduct a thorough audit of the local footpath network to determine the state and condition of local footpaths in order to prevent potential accidents.
“The current state of the shared-user footpath on Matron Porter Drive is appalling and highly dangerous for the many people who use it each and every day,” Mr Sikora said.
“This is a key footpath linking towns and villages that has sat in a state of disrepair for years. It is time Shoalhaven City Council got its priorities right and urgently undertook the repair works needed.
“Matron Porter Drive is not the only location where footpaths are lying in an unacceptable and dangerous state. This is why we need to undertake an audit of our footpaths so we can prioritise repairs and identify where we need new footpaths built.
“I understand the financial challenges Council finds itself in but this in no excuse to compromise the safety of our local community. It is also worth noting that his footpath was built with funding from the former NSW Liberal Government, and Federal and State Government funding programs exist to assist Council repair and construct footpaths.
“I am calling on Shoalhaven City Council to explain why the Matron Porter Drive footpath has been left to languish for so long in a state of disrepair and to immediately fix what is a dangerous and unacceptable situation for local residents,” Mr Sikora said.
Liberal Candidate for Mayor of Shoalhaven Paul Ell said it was time to get the Council ‘Back on Track’ and fixing footpaths was key to the Liberal’s plan to do just this.
“Vital infrastructure, such as footpaths, is essential for local communities and enables residents to exercise, visit family or friends, or simply go for a walk to enjoy our wonderful region,” he said.
“The Liberal Team has a plan to get Shoalhaven City Council ‘Back on Track’ and ensure that maintenance is carried out on our local roads and footpaths properly and in a timely manner,” Clr Ell said.
