Corangamite Shire has approved three footpath projects, despite facing some opposition.
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A special charge scheme, where residents and the council share project costs, were approved for footpaths in Cobden and Terang.
A path on the northern side of Tarrant Street, from Adams to Victoria Street, Cobden will cost $28,079 (the council will contribute $19,655 and residents $8424). A path on the southern side of Swanston Street, Terang, from Lyons to Galloway Street, will cost $71,853 (council paying $50,297 and residents $21,556). The final project in Clarke and Adams streets, Cobden will cost $73,057 (the council paying $51,140 and residents $21,917. The nearby hospital will also contribute).
Speaking on the footpath approved for Adams and Clarke streets, local resident Dick Tracey said his own survey of neighbours found little support for the project.
“Of the 11 houses I visited in the Clarke Street-Adams Street project, there was eight against and three for,” he said.
Mr Tracey said the feeling was similar at an on-site meeting 18 months ago. “The locals didn’t want it,” he said.
He said Corangamite Shire mayor Jo Beard had purchased property in the area, which could potentially cause undue influence.
Cr Beard was not present during Mr Tracey’s deputation or the later deliberations due to a declared conflict of interest. Cr Ruth Gstrein said Cr Beard had been transparent throughout the process.
“I need to make it quite clear that any conflict of interest that she’s had, she’s followed the protocol quite accordingly,” she said.
Cr Simon Illingworth called for the issue to be postponed to confirm the council had enough support for the project, however, Crs Helen Durant and Gstrein said the same process should be followed for all footpath schemes.
“There are 15 owners, nine have supported it, four have said no… and two people haven’t responded. So what we have at the moment is 60 per cent of people in that street have agreed,” Cr Gstrein said of the council’s own figures.
Cr Gstrein said the footpath would provide improved access to the health services, clinic and Tandarook Park. “This is a really important piece of infrastructure for Cobden and will bring benefit to the people whose properties abut it.”
Councillors said officers would work closely with residents struggling financially.