Victoria’s Kingston Council has called on the State Government to invest in the future of the Patterson River Precinct.
Council says there are significant issues that require attention at Patterson River (and Mordialloc Creek), which the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) have identified as requiring $60 million over four years to address.
Council says land management responsibilities are complicated along the river, with Melbourne Water owning the land, which is managed by DELWP, and maintained by Parks Victoria.
Kingston Mayor, Steve Staikos said while it was encouraging to see funding go to the DELWP to deliver a masterplan for Patterson River, the process mustn’t delay actions that are needed presently.
“We are concerned that the state government wants all future funding bids to be guided by the masterplan, which means that immediate and urgent actions would need to wait until the process is completed despite current funds not nearly meeting the current maintenance needs of the precinct,” Mayor Staikos said.
Banksia Ward Councillor, Cameron Howe said there were clear problems that need addressing immediately.
“Patterson River is home to the state’s busiest boat ramp, with pedestrian and maritime maintenance issues unaddressed for too many years, including steep street to trail access points, unstable walkways cordoned off and malfunctioning lighting through to ageing boat ramps,” Cr Howe said.
“The masterplan, when funded, will upgrade this critical gateway to the bay, but adequate maintenance funding from the state is imperative now, especially with user falls and incidents at some of the street to trail access points and growing boating user complaints.”
