By MARA PATTISON-SOWDEN
YARRA Ranges Council has announced the start date and further funding for the construction of a footpath to give safe access between Don Valley and the Warburton Highway.
The backflip has pleased Don Valley residents who gathered together at the end of February, when they were told the construction of the 10-year planned footpath had been put off again.
More than a hundred people turned up to the public meeting where council officers discussed the problems with residents, and then formed a sub-committee chaired by the mayor with four residents and three officers representing both sides.
Community representative Rick Houlihan said the meeting on 27 March produced a number of good outcomes, and they were looking forward to a further meeting on 24 April to receive updates.
“We’ve achieved a lot, and that’s what we set out to do,” he said.
Yarra Ranges Council engineering director Mark Varmalis said the construction of the path between Harberts Road and the bridge over the Yarra was expected to begin in spring 2013.
“A further $70,000 has been included in the draft 2013/14 budget, which is to be considered for adoption by the council in June 2013,” he said.
A planning permit has been issued for the works, and the path will be constructed with a gravel surface.
Mr Houlihan said the outcome showed what could happen when many people in a community got together to make something happen.
“Where they take time to send emails, write letters, make phone calls and attend meetings … this combined with the full support and help from our councillor Jim Child who is working for his constituents, illustrates what can be achieved,” he said.
Mr Houlihan said the community’s work was not over yet, with a meeting arranged with Gembrook MP Brad Battin this week to seek assistance with the drainage problems.
“We’ve battled for so long and we keep thinking we’ve got over one hurdle then another pops up,” he said.
“We will also be using this meeting to seek support for the installation of traffic lights at the intersection of Don Road and the Warburton Highway, before we have a serious accident, which will only be a matter of time.
“These lights would work in conjunction with the existing traffic lights at the walking trail.”
In terms of Melbourne Water requirements, Mr Varmalis said the council was still working with Melbourne Water to resolve the drainage issues.
More information about the footpath project is available on the council’s website under resident’s information.
