Footpath repairs labelled ‘eyesore’ by locals

Brisbane residents are venting their frustration at the state of the city’s footpaths, as pictures show quick fixes and “eyesore” streetscape rejuvenations.

BRISBANE streets scarred by cracked pavement have been left sitting for over a year while a recent upgrade has been labelled an “eyesore,” as the state of the city’s footpaths shapes up as a major issue for the upcoming local government elections.

At the recently rejuvenated Station Rd in Sunnybank, pictures show asphalt has been laid, with one local worker known as Steven saying the job was bumpy and unappealing.

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“I think it’s really been an eyesore really,” Steven said.

“I’ve never seen so much asphalt.”

“The footpaths are also different colours because they’ve upgraded them at different times, so they’re an eyesore as well,” he said.

Runcorn councillor Kim Marx however defended the job as a “temporary measure” while the streetscape was being rejuvenated.

The corner of Turton Rd and Station Rd, Sunnybank. Picture: Thomas Morgan

In Albion, council admits cracked footpaths along the shopping strip near Sandgate Rd have been waiting to be repaired for over a year.

Pavement slabs have lifted so much that council workers have spray painted cracks, despite council claiming they’re safe and disability compliant.

The path is slated for replacement next financial year.

Inclusion Moves director and former Paralympics gold medallist Geoff Trappett said cracked and broken footpaths were a major issue that couldn’t “be papered over.”

Mr Trappett also said the city suffered from an inconsistent approach to fixing footpaths.

“It’s largely left up to the person who comes out to make the repair,” he said.

Spray paint denotes a large crack in the path on Albion Rd, Albion. Picture: Thomas Morgan.

A lifted slab of pavement at Albion Rd. Picture: Thomas Morgan

“Disability access in Brisbane is still a patchwork of different compliant standards and different levels of functionality.”

He said most people without disabilities didn’t realise how long it took for paths to be repaired.

Labor lord mayoral hopeful Patrick Condren, who started his run for City Hall talking about the state of the city’s footpaths, claimed there was a footpath repair “waiting list for a waiting list.”

Paralympic gold medal winner Geoff Trappett has started a business Inclusion Moves to assist people with disabilities find their way in the world.

“If you’re elderly or young or have a disability, perhaps in a wheelchair, this can be a significant thing,” Mr Condren said.

“It’s quite extraordinary that this administration would spend $4 million on glossy ads, and their footpath fix comes in at a can of spray paint.”

LNP field services councillor Vicki Howard however defended council’s $40 million footpath budget.

“This administration has lifted the good condition of footpaths from 42 per cent to 77 per cent,” Ms Howard said.

She accused Labor of having an “atrocious record” on footpath maintenance.