Land surrounding the original Djerriwarrh Creek bridge that
connects Toolern Vale and Coimadai is being used as a dumping ground by
“thoughtless” people, with residents also frustrated by maintenance and
graffiti issues.
“[It’s] such an iconic bridge with historical significance to the area, and people have no respect for it at all,” said Susanne Austin, who works in Bacchus Marsh and uses the bridge regularly.
The bridge is more than 150 years old and has undergone extensive repairs in recent years as part of road works at Anthonys Cutting.
Moorabool mayor Pat Toohey said it was VicRoads’ responsibility to
care for this “important” area, and that he believed signage could be
improved.
VicRoads acting regional director Damien Afxentis
said signs had been installed at the site to deter people from illegally
dumping rubbish. He said VicRoads will review signage in the area and
replace any damaged signs by the end of September.
“Every effort is being made to improve the appearance of the site,
with regular inspections and maintenance works being completed,” Mr
Afxentis said.
“Maintenance works including grass mowing, rubbish and graffiti
removal were carried out in the last month and are scheduled to be
completed again in the coming months before the fire season.”
Melton Environment Group spokesman Daryl Akers said residents who came across any illegal dumping or environmental vandalism should contact the relevant council.
“It’s not within their jurisdiction, but often they’ll do
something about it themselves if it looks really bad and take it
further.”
