By Brendan Rees
Flood waters and dangerous footpaths in Pearcedale have been labelled a “death trap” by a furious resident.
Tony Maxwell-Campisi says recent heavy rain caused open drains along Baxter – Tooradin Road to flood about knee-deep high.
“Any kid could fall in … it’s deep; it’s not just a little puddle,” he says.
He says he and his partner’s complaints to VicRoads and Casey Council had “fallen on death ears” for the past 18 months.
“One was blaming the other,” he said.
“There’s no street lights right along this part of the road.
“I’ve even put down tape … and put up my own signs to show people that are driving that there’s a problem there.
“It’s simply not good enough for a residential area,” Mr Maxwell-Campisi added.
A hole with cables underground was also covered loosely by a board on the side of the footpath, he said.
“It’s like a sink hole … I just lifted it up with one hand,” he explained. “It’s just a hazard waiting for someone to fall in and get killed.”
Sections of the footpath with cracks and uneven joinery have not been roped off.
VicRoads inspected the site on 14 August but due to high water levels the cause of the blockage could not be confirmed.
A Department of Transport spokesperson said: “We have inspected the blockage at Baxter-Tooradin Road in Pearcedale and will have it cleared in the coming days.”
Casey acting director of city planning and infrastructure Duncan Turner said council inspected all 2,300 kilometres of council footpaths including Pearcedale on a minimum of a three/four-year cycle.
“Council is always willing to inspect any footpath in between the scheduled inspection program if a resident contacts us to advise of a problem at a specific location,” Mr Turner said.
“We will be in touch with this resident to find out more their concerns and exact location so we can inspect the state of the footpath.
“Flag street lighting, which is minor lighting at intersections to highlight the intersections, is in place along this section of Baxter-Tooradin Road which is consistent with lighting standards for rural based roads.
“If a request is received by residents, Council can investigate and consider the installation of additional street lighting along roads through our Street Lighting Improvement Program,” Mr Turner said.
Isabelle Murphy, a senior associate at Zaparas Lawyers specialising in public liability matters said the public had a right to expect communal spaces to be “free of hazards which may jeopardise their safety.”
