By Brendan Rees
Murky water, abuse from workers, cars covered in concrete dust, footpaths left open to trips and falls, and other troubles have left Cranbourne residents frustrated with street works.
Casey Council contractors have begun $1.1 million rehabilitation works on Carole Court, Damian Court, Geoffrey Court, Roberts Road, Rosalie Avenue, Roma Avenue and Virginia Street.
The works, which are expected to be finished by June, include the renewal of concrete footpaths, kerb and channel and asphalt road surfaces.
Stan of Virginia Street, who was concerned about the safety of the works, said he was talking to a worker at the front of his home when he was approached by another to “shut his mouth.”
“It didn’t get heated until this guy threatened to shut my mouth. I didn’t like it,” Stan, who asked not to publish his surname, said.
“I’m made out to be the bad guy because I’m the only one sticking up for ourselves.”
Stan said the footpaths were unsafe due to potholes on the sides and uneven joinery. “They don’t care. They said they were going to fix it all and they haven’t,” he said.
“A young boy was walking along here with his dad and he tripped, and luckily his dad just grabbed him because he went off the footpath.”
According to Stan, the workers also wash their trucks on the street: “These clowns just tip it all over the road.”
Casey manager of city design and construction Trevor Griffin said the roads and footpaths were nearly 40 years old and and required repair and replacement.
“It is necessary to resurface asphalt roads on a periodical basis as over time the asphalt becomes brittle leading to cracking which can then result in water damage to the underlying road pavement,” he said.
“Any potential trip hazards will be removed on the footpaths as part of the works, while replacement of the kerb and channel will improve drainage flow and vehicular access to a number of properties.”
Edward Hummel of Virginia Street expressed his disappointment after having to put up with dirty water in his home after workers drew water from a water main.
“The water got murky; after a while it settled down and it was fine, but we couldn’t have a shower for a couple of days – it was pretty yucky,” he said. “They should’ve told us that was going to happen.”
Another resident, Kim Thiel said he wasn’t able to use his driveway for days. “They wander off and then we don’t see them for three weeks. They do work somewhere else,” he said. “It is totally disorganised.”
“The stupid thing is the council paid to have the concrete driveways bloody shaved (trip hazards removed),” he said.
However, resident John Davies says he’s been impressed with the works, likening the project as a “well-oiled machine.” “I’m amazed at how well they’re organised,” he said.
Associate Ashleigh Kemp of Ryan Carlisle Thomas Lawyers said residents should keep photos on the specific spot if they fall or injure themselves as a result of the works, and report the incident to council as well as seek legal advice.
“Whilst many people are injured every year on damaged footpaths, special laws/rules relating to local councils make it hard to hold councils liable,” she said.
