Path in dark after theft
RATEPAYERS will be forced to foot the bill after an estimated $25,000 worth of underground cabling was stolen from a Townsville park.
Townsville City Council has reported that around 600m of electrical cabling had been stolen from Reid Park.
This is the second time electrical cabling has been damaged in Townsville City Council parks.
In August, irrigation systems across 19 Townsville parks were vandalised, with the council forced to replace thousands of dollars worth of cabling.
Mayor Jenny Hill said almost all of the electrical cabling along the pathway linking Charters Towers Road to the Reid Park Active Transport Bridge had been stolen.
She said the theft was estimated to cost about $25,000.
“As a result, the lighting along this pathway is now completely inoperable,” Ms Hill said.
“This is completely unacceptable. This pathway is part of our very popular active transport network, which is used at all hours by pedestrians and cyclists. It will now be in darkness while council makes repairs.
“This is a potential safety issue for pathway users.”
Cr Hill said this was a “kick in the guts” for ratepayers who would have to pay for the placement.
“All up, we’re probably looking at a total repair bill in the vicinity of $50,000,” Ms Hill said.
“This money will have to come from other projects that were due to be undertaken in locations across the city.
“These suburbs will miss out because of this senseless theft.”
Vandals also hit Marabou Park
Annandale in July, burning down the play equipment. Division 6 Councillor Suzy Batkovic said ratepayers would be forced to pay for the damage. The Reid Park theft has been reported to police and council officers are reviewing CCTV vision to see if it can identify the culprits.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Policelink on 131 444.