The News first reported the ongoing dramas over footpath construction in Narre Warren in August.DEBATE continues to rage over the cost of constructing footpaths in Narre Warren.
The News first reported the issue in August after Fountain Gate Primary School principal Jennifer Duggan highlighted the unsafe situation for many students.
Ms Duggan said at the time the lack of footpaths along Sweet Gum Avenue and Wallaroo Avenue was causing students to walk on the road.
Local residents recently lodged a petition with Casey Council expressing their disappointment that they may be required to pay for the construction of the paths.
Although Casey is yet to make a decision on whether any footpaths will be constructed, abutting property owners may be up for more than $1000 each if work goes ahead.
Councillor Paul Richardson is going into bat for the residents.
“How far will this council, councillors and management go to overcharge and rip off the ratepayers?” Cr Richardson said.
“Is this council expending so much of the ratepayers’ money, it cannot afford to maintain the repairs, replacement and construction of pavements any longer.”
Casey manager of engineering and environment David Richardson said the council was consulting with residents to consider the need for the footpath.
“Typically, the abutting property owners fund the construction of footpaths in local streets,” Mr Richardson said.
“In new subdivisions, the developer constructs the footpath and then transfers that cost to new property owners in the land sale price, however in the older areas, a footpath would usually be funded through a scheme with the property owners contributing.”
