The dire state of some footpaths in Port Macquarie has resulted in a residential backlash, with locals calling on Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to fix them before someone is seriously injured.Sighting the abominable state of the footpath behind the popular Port Macquarie Panthers Club and Settlement City Shopping Centre, backing onto the canals, one resident, who wishes to remain nameless, said, “When it comes to bad footpaths this one would have to take the cake. “No bunting, no warning signs, and on a dark night no escaping the danger it creates.“Residents who walk home after frequenting the Settlement City shops have raised concerns over pedestrian safety. It’s a lawsuit waiting to happen.”Visitors to the region have also voiced concern.John Peachtree, who was in Port Macquarie on the weekend for the URBAN Hotel Group Ironman Australia, said he could have been seriously injured had he not been “on the ball” when using the path behind the shopping centre. “I was going for a run early Friday morning and it is pure luck that I didn’t break my leg when I ran straight into one of the massive holes in the sidewalk,” he said. “It’s just crazy – there was absolutely no warning.”Local cabbie Roger Cattell said he often picks up patrons from the Settlement Point area who are forever commenting on the dire state of the footpaths adjacent to the property.He also said that, at the top end of Commodore Cresent, three sections of the footpath that were deemed unsafe had been taken away months ago, and were yet to be fixed, “which is appalling”.“It was more than six weeks ago they ripped it up and it’s not fixed,” he said. “There are no barricades, no nothing. It’s crazy.”
A homeowner in Commodore Crescent said, “It’s just a matter of time before someone is seriously injured. “It’s not a trip hazard – it’s a death trap and something needs to be done now.”Gary Randall, Group Manager Infrastructure Operations at Council, said, “Initially, following customer requests, several areas of footpath adjoining Commodore Crescent were identified to contain areas of unevenness that posed a potential hazard. “The footpath was inspected and assessed and it was confirmed that several areas needed to be replaced in order to remedy trip hazards. “Once the hazardous areas of footpath were removed the evidence of tree root damage to the footpath was identified as the primary cause of the trips. “Preparations for the trees to be removed were then confirmed and unfortunately a delay has occurred in removing the subject trees. “Removal of the trees commenced last week and is planned to be fully completed by council’s Tree Section this week. Infrastructure Operations staff will re-lay the footpath following the completion of the tree removal. “This is expected to be completed by the end of next week.”In a separate statement from Council, it read: “The footpath behind Panthers is a private footpath which surrounds the commercial development in the area. Council is currently in negotiation with the commercial operator to remedy the affected footpath.”
