Liam McNally
Members of the Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden (FMBG) are appealing to the public to help fund a handrail for the Lake Walk path boardwalk.
The 72 metre-long boardwalk was built in 2017. FMBG president John Bentley said the boardwalk is used extensively by visitors to the garden and volunteers working there and having no handrail poses a significant falling hazard.
“We take guided tours of up to 50 people on guided tours and many of these will include using the boardwalk as part of the tour,” he said.
“People have reported feeling unsafe when crossing the boardwalk. Especially people with sight
impairment, have a disability or are elderly.
“We have been told of near misses. We have asked people to report any incidents directly to council.”
FMBG has started a campaign to raise $15,000 to install the handrail, which Mr Bentley said the group is hoping to be able to install before winter.
“Winter is when the boardwalk is slippery due to frost. Frost on the boardwalk is highly dangerous to users and one of their highest concerns in winter,” he said.
“People say they have slipped and now take a much longer route around to avoid the boardwalk using the crushed rock paths the Friends have constructed.”
Mr Bentley said the group originally approached council to fund the handrail, however their application was rejected on the grounds that it did not exceed one metre in height – council’s minimum requirement for being obliged to install a handrail.
He contends that although the bulk of the walkway is 65cm to 90cm off the ground, this is still a significant fall onto rough ground, and that there is a 6 metre section of the walk that is higher than one metre.
“We are greatly downhearted by council dismissal and some are extremely angry. Many people and volunteers believe council should be funding the handrail,” he said.
Melton council City Delivery director Neil Whiteside said council officers have received enquiries from the FMBG in relation to a handrail for the boardwalk and have advised the group that based on the Australian Standards, a handrail on the boardwalk is not required.
“Notwithstanding this, if the friends group would like to fund and install a handrail on the boardwalk that is compliant with Australian Standards, Council officers are happy to discuss further,” he said.
People wanting to contribute to FMBG’s Boardwalk Handrail Appeal should contact Mr Bentley.
Melton council was contacted for comment.
Details: 9743 3819 or friends@fmbg.org.au
