General News
14 August, 2023
Safety issues a concern at park
Yarriambiack Shire Council has closed down the Rabl Park Bridges in Murtoa due to safety concerns following an inspection by a qualified inspector. The risk of harm to pedestrians and their dogs was a significant and urgent safety issue. Large gaps...
Yarriambiack Shire Council has closed down the Rabl Park Bridges in Murtoa due to safety concerns following an inspection by a qualified inspector.
The risk of harm to pedestrians and their dogs was a significant and urgent safety issue.
Large gaps, splintering, projecting nails in the railings, twisted span beams, obstacles and safety rails were all problems.
There were also too many spaces between the deck planks on the bridge.
Additionally, it was discovered that the original copper chrome arsenic treated timber used to build the bridges could no longer be used in public construction.
It was deemed that urgent and significant action was required, and as a result both the northern and southern Rabl Park wooden bridges have been closed indefinitely.
They will be removed as soon as possible to prevent members of the public accessing them.
Council said its staff had been working to construct a new walking path near the northern bridge to assist users in connecting to existing trails.
The team will continue working at the site to solve access issues at the park’s southern end.
Residents are encouraged not to walk on roadsides but to utilise the new path that is available.
Council apologised for any inconvenience caused but said it would like to assure the community that it was working on solutions to provide safe recreation facilities for all.
Yarriambiack Shire Council has invited the community to Murtoa Neighbourhood House on Tuesday August 15 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm to hear the latest updates on Rabl Park.
This meeting with council staff will provide greater detail and allow residents to ask questions regarding the park and future projects earmarked for the recreation space.