Banyule Flats get a makeover thanks to proactive residents

When a Melbourne council failed to fix a popular walking track riddled with potholes, this Banyule couple sprung into action with the ultimate DIY fix. And while it’s ruffled official feathers, it’s winning the praise of users.

Rob and Christine Granter took it upon themselves to fix up a walking track they said had been forgotten by the council. Picture: Josie Hayden

A popular walking track at Banyule Flats has been got a facelift thanks to a proactive couple who took council matters into their own hands.

Rob and Christine Granter took it upon themselves to fix up the popular track which was riddled with puddles, potholes and uneven ground.

“If council won’t maintain our walking tracks then it’s time for citizen action,” Mr Granter said.

It took the couple two afternoons to drain the puddles, level them out and fill them with gravel.

Mr Granter posted his DIY job to a private Viewbank Neighbourhood Watch Facebook page, where it garnered more than 270 likes and overwhelming support.

The muddied Banyule Flats path that the Granters took upon themselves to fix.

Marco Bilzy thanked the couple for the effort.

“Tough going, good work. Banyule City Council should be fixing this not having residents shovelling gravel and paying rates,” Mr Bilzy said.

However, Banyule Mayor Wayne Phillips was not supportive of the citizen action.

“Instead of undertaking works themselves, which could pose safety and liability issues, residents should report issues to (the) council,” he said.

Rob and Christine Granter fixed up a section of the Banyule Flats walking track as part of their own citizen action.

Mr Granter said that he had fixed up only 300m of the 1km that needed maintenance.

“If it’s not looked after properly, the track can go from a nice country path to a wide gravel road,” he said.

“It’s important that less able bodied people can use the tracks, as well as parents with prams.”

MORE: ROSANNA RESIDENTS FIGHT TO SAVE 1900S FARMHOUSE

IVANHOE FOOTBALL CLUB’S ROAD TOLL CAMPAIGN ON THE MARK

WORRY CARERS MISSING OUT ON SUPPORT SERVICES

Viewbanks' Alisha Samuel voiced support for the initiative the couple took.

“I ride along there a few times a week towing my kids, when its wet I go along Somerset Drive to avoid those mud puddles. Now I won’t have to anymore,” Ms Samuel said.

Mr Phillips said the council was working on long term plans to improve the trails and paths in Banyule Flats, but it would require significant funding and permits from several authorities to proceed.

[e-mail]