A low level portion of a popular nature walk in Marburg was again inundated as a result of last week’s heavy rainfall and a resident is looking to Council to provide an all weather access.
The walk runs from Main Street, Marburg over the Black Snake Creek which leads to an open space full of native flora and fauna and it provides a link from homes on the Western side of Black Snake Creek.
Vegetation such as bottlebrushes, brigalow and melaleucas were planted along the walkway to provide habitat for the many birds, insects and wildlife that live within the area.
For most of the year the walk is easily accessible for many families to enjoy and resident Stephen Henry has expressed his concerns about limited access and safety once rain falls.
Stephen said he was pleased when the walkway was created through this part of Marburg, as it is a great way to link the showgrounds with the houses on the western side.
“When the works first started on this project it was said that the main purpose was to give residents easier access to the showgrounds where the Marburg Pacing, the Marburg Show, the Christmas Carnival and numerous other events take place,” he said.
“I was really happy with the initial plan as I thought it was a really good idea to save families having to drive to the grounds, and in fine weather it is a great link.
“It did not take too long though to realise that once a bit of rain falls in that area, the walkway is not accessible.
“Water flows down from the top of the hill, and it creates flooding problems.
“My thought is that drain pipes and drains should have been installed to stop water flooding over the pathway.”
Stephen uses the walkway regularly with his dog and he has raised his concerns with members of Parliament and also with the Ipswich City Councillors over the years.
“In the recent rain event on February 1, the water on the path was ankle deep, this not only deters people from walking here but it is a major safety issue,” he said.
“It does not take long for the path to become slippery, because the water sits for a long period of time and attracts mosquitos and does not give the overall area a nice feel.
“It is a real shame because the initial idea was fantastic, but it is simply not working.”
Stephen contacted Cr Russell Milligan who agreed to meet with him to analyse the areas of concern.
Cr Milligan said that the problem was obvious on inspection.
“Community safety is paramount, therefore specialist officers will be engaged to evaluate the situation to determine whether there is a solution to any identified problems,” he said.
