Tara Murray
Brimbank council is seeking Moonee Valley council’s co-operation to progress work on the River Valley bridge
As reported by Star Weekly, neither council is willing to take ownership of the bridge once it’s built, which is delaying construction and leaving residents frustrated.
Cr Trung Luu raised a notice of motion at last week’s Brimbank council meeting, asking the council to follow up its previous request to the state government to help solve the issue.
The motion also called on the council to seek Moonee Valley council’s co-operation in advocating to Parks Victoria to come to an agreement of ownership for the bridge.
Cr Luu said he wanted to see development of the bridge continue without any further delay.
“Without actual ownership of the bridge, the planning application and the bridge development can not proceed,” he said.
“The bridge promotes connectivity, health and encourages residents to walk and cycle as an alternative mode of transport.
“This motion is to address current issues and community concern.”
Cr Virigina Tachos suggested an additional point to the motion, that the council look at getting costings for how much it would cost to maintain the bridge.
The amended motion was passed unanimously.
Meanwhile, in a letter to resident Trevor Gielnik, Parks Victoria has said it will not take responsibility for the bridge once it is built.
“As Brimbank city council placed requirements in the Section 173 for the developer to construct the bridge spanning the Maribyrnong River, it is not unreasonable to expect that the bridge be managed by Brimbank city council as the organisation who placed the requirements in the Section 173.
“Parks Victoria has met with the Developers, both Brimbank City and Moonee Valley city councils and informed them that Park Victoria would not own or be responsible for the management and maintenance of the bridge.”
