City of Darwin councillors vote to suspend controversial footpath removal policy

City of Darwin councillors have voted on whether to suspend the controversial footpath removal policy that’s enraged residents. Read their decision.

City of Darwin councillors have united to suspend a controversial policy that has seen old residential footpaths ripped up rather than repaired.

All 11 elected members present at Tuesday night’s general meeting, including Mayor Kon Vatskalis, voted unanimously in favour of immediately suspending the policy.

Waters Ward Councillor Brian O’Gallagher, who raised the motion, said the decision responded to community concerns.

Waters Ward Councillor Brian O'Gallagher. Picture: Ivan Rachman

“It’s coming out loud and strong that residents don’t want this to happen,” Mr O’Gallagher said.

“The natural verge that’s replacing footpaths become mud tracks in the wet and dust tracks in the dry.

“They restrict access and mobility of residents who truly do want the footpaths to move around in their community.

“From my perspective and that of other councillors, providing footpaths and access is a core business of council that we need to pay serious attention to.”

A footpath along Quail St in Wulagi has been removed. Picture: Floss Adams.

The decision comes just weeks before footpaths along six streets in six different suburbs were earmarked to be removed.

Councillors will now review the policy as part of its 2023-24 budget planning, with several expected to push for additional funding for footpath repairs.

The estimated cost of replacing all worn bitumen footpaths with concrete paths is estimated to be more than $14m.

Previously, 3000sq m of obsolete footpaths were removed annually at a cost of $150,000.

In an NT News poll, 85 per cent of respondents said damaged footpaths should be repaired.

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Originally published as City of Darwin councillors vote to suspend controversial footpath removal policy