A LONG-RUNNING mystery over exactly who should pay for the upgrades and maintenance of Carrum access pathways at Patterson River has been partially solved.
The state government has finally put its hand up to take on some responsibility for eight tracks, including timber and gravel pathways which can be eroded after heavy rains, by promising to make Patterson River “accessible to all”.
Nearby Patterson Lakes residents have spent more than 20 years trying to find out who is responsible for the upkeep of pathways accessed from Valetta, Tennyson, Westley, Dahmen streets and True and Riversdale Avenues (‘Pathways impasse drags on’, The News 12/6/13).
The pathways, known locally as “goat tracks”, are on Melbourne Water land and managed by Parks Victoria. State governments, Kingston Council, Melbourne Water and Parks Victoria have, at various times over the past 20 years, seemingly ‘passed the buck’ on who should shell out to maintain them.
Planning Minister Matthew Guy and Liberal MP Donna Bauer said on Tuesday that a re-elected Coalition government would spend $500,000 on ensuring the pathways are suitable for disabled and elderly residents visiting the banks of the river near Launching Way.
Mr Guy said the promise “is another example of how this government works hard to meet the needs of all Victorians so that everyone can enjoy more of the state’s many natural attractions”.
Mrs Bauer said residents and visitors had complained about the poor condition of the tracks for years. “These paths are, at times, difficult for able-bodied people to access the river and its amenities, let alone those with a disability,” she said.
“I first raised the matter in Parliament on behalf of the Carrum-Patterson Lakes Village Community as far back as June 2012, then in 2013 and again in May this year. As a result, the government has listened and I am pleased to now have this welcome pledge.”
Mr Guy said management of Patterson River and its amenities was a shared responsibility.
“Melbourne Water owns the land, and Parks Victoria manages many of its assets, including the 10 access tracks to the river – seven on the southern side and three [including a vehicle access track] on the northern side,” he said.
A disabled persons’ toilet will also be installed at Launching Way as part of the $500,000 disability package, and a disability fishing platform will be built on the river. Its site is yet to be determined.
