Funds needed to link paths

Two residents have called on Baw Baw Shire Council to consider funding footpath links to improve pedestrian safety.

The submissions called for better paths to link Sanctuary Lifestyle Over 55s Village in Drouin to the two towns trail and a boardwalk to link Serene Crt, Warragul to an existing walking trail.

Sanctuary Lifestyle residents committee chairman Phil Seabrook said residents at the village ranged from over 55s to in their 90s, with a wide variety of physical abilities.

Mr Seabrook called on council to fix a loose gravel path that leads from the northern village gate to the two towns trail.

He said the gravel was loose and uneven causing a dangerous situation for residents.

His submission to council said numerous residents had slipped and tripped on the path as they walked onto the trail.

Mr Seabrook said a concrete ramp would assist elderly people to walk safely to the trail and also help residents who used mobility scooters.

Mr Seabrook also drew council's attention to two footpaths that led to nowhere on the southern boundary along Harmon Drv.

He asked council to consider sealing the 200 metre section where residents were forced to walking onto a grassy nature strip.

"Residents using walking sticks, walking frames and mobility scooters find it impossible to use this section, particularly during the wetter months when the soil becomes very wet and boggy," he said.

Mr Seabrook's third concern was the need for a footpath along Harmon Drv, from MacAlister Rd to the access path to the playground.

He said the playground was a wonderful addition to the precinct but the absence of a footpath was a "glaring omission."

Warragul resident Ian Honey presented a submission signed by 17 residents calling for a boardwalk to link Serene Crt with the walking trail to Martin Crt and Fernery Bvd.

Mr Honey said before COVID, he had been told by council officers there was a proposal to develop a boardwalk link.

He said an existing light pole in Serene Crt indicated there were always plans for a boardwalk to link up with the path network.

Mr Honey said there were 1200 residential blocks proposed for south of the highway.

He said completing the path links would keep people off the roads and create a safer environment for pedestrians.