Recent vandal damage in two separate incidents to the newly constructed Rifle Range Creek Pedestrian Bridge is going to cost around $5000 to repair.
Council’s Roads and Drainage portfolio spokesperson Cr Tony Ricciardi said the $415, 000 bridge was only completed in April this year.
“Council has worked hard to provide this community asset which actually forms the missing link between Coral Reef Park and Turtle Cove Park,” Cr Ricciardi said.
“We have had positive reports from the community about the value of the bridge and we know for a fact that it is highly utilised by people exercising or simply out for a walk.
“The unfortunate thing is that Council will now have to redirect funds to the repair of the bridge which otherwise could have assisted in funding other community assets.”
Divisional representative Cr Greg Barnes said such reckless acts of vandalism were extremely disappointing.
“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.
“I would encourage anybody with information relating to these incidents to contact Council or local police.”
To ensure community safety, Council’s roads and drainage crew have installed temporary protection barricades and will install replacement paneling as soon as it becomes available.
ENDS