General News
1 March, 2024
Cracking up about footpaths
CASSOWARY Coast Regional Council plans to upgrade the region’s 78km network of footpaths, trails, and cycleways at a cost of $7.8 million over 10 years.
But last week’s monthly meeting was told to replace the entire network would cost $24.5m.
Council asset engineering acting manager Christopher Accatino said an evaluation of the path network was initiated after residents responded to a community scorecard survey about the range of services and offerings by the council.
“The survey revealed a somewhat unsatisfactory performance rating of 43/100 for council’s footpaths, trails, and cycleways,” he said.
“This feedback, coupled with detailed comments received, highlighted that residents hold higher expectations for these amenities than what is currently being delivered.
“In June 2023, council completed an extensive survey and evaluation of the 77.75km pathway network across the region.”
Mr Accatino’s report said 73 per cent of pathways were rated as having minor defects or “as new”. However, 7622sqm of paths or 4.4 per cent had “severe defects” and would require $2.1 million to replace.
“Council last undertook a comprehensive survey of its pathways in 2014,” Mr Accatino said in his report.
“When compared to the condition data collected at this time, the network has deteriorated which indicates that capital renewal expenditure needs to increase otherwise this trend will continue,” he said. “Currently, council’s transport asset management plan suggests a spend of $7.8m over 10 years which is expected to improve the current condition profile of the network.
“This clearly indicates that there is a shortfall in funding required in the short term and further work is required to propose a revised plan for adoption.”
Cr Theresa Millwood told the meeting that any upgrades should not be confined to just Tully and Innisfail CBDs but include all towns and villages.
Cr Barry Barnes said the extended wet season had resulted in excessive mildew growth across the region and there was a need to look at making footpath surfaces less slippery.
He said he saw a woman fall over after slipping on a footpath at Colleen McLaughlin Park, in Cardwell.
