The Bundaberg Regional Council has welcomed the news that a police investigation into vandalism of the newly constructed Rifle Range Creek Pedestrian Bridge has led to the arrest of three youths.
Council reported the damage to local police just over a week ago, after discovering on 11 November that vandals had caused an estimated $5000 worth of damage to the Bridge in two separate incidents.
The $415,000 Bridge was only completed in April this year and Council’s Roads and Drainage portfolio spokesperson Cr Tony Ricciardi said that Council had worked hard to provide a community asset which forms the missing link between Coral Reef Park and Turtle Cove Park.
The Bridge is highly utilised by people exercising or simply going out for a walk so of
“On behalf of the Council, I would like to congratulate the Bargara Police on undertaking such a speedy investigation. I hope the arrests of three youths serve as a warning to others thinking about defacing community infrastructure in this way.”
Divisional representative Cr Greg Barnes said that while Council will have to redirect funds to the repair of the Bridge which otherwise could have assisted in funding other community assets, the result achieved by police is applaudable.
“I thank all those who reported information about this matter to police and assisted in this outcome.”
“I’m sure just about anybody would agree that this type of wanton destruction is both mindless and unacceptable,” Cr Barnes said.
“The sad reality is that when people vandalize Council infrastructure, it not only deprives the community of an attractive recreational community asset, it costs the ratepayer as well.
ENDS