Brimbank council has teamed up with RMIT University students to review more than 1600 kilometres of footpaths in the city.
The council surveys the footpath network every three years. The 2012 survey revealed 34 per cent of footpaths were in “average” condition and six per cent in need of renewal.
Two groups of 10 students from RMIT’s bachelor of civil and infrastructure engineering course will have six-week placements with the council. The first placement started on June 29, with honours students working in northern areas of the city.
Students have been trained to identify defects, such as cracking and potential trip hazards, and rank their severity.
“The last survey identified more than 70,000 defects,” a council spokeswoman said. “More than 60 per cent of the footpath network was found to be in above-average condition.
“In addition to tri-annual surveys, the council inspects high-traffic footpaths on a regular basis, every three to six months, to identify any potential hazards to the community.”
The students, who also have skills in planning and design, will help the council decide where funds will be best allocated.
The council has offered work placements to RMIT students for several years, ensuring it has access to innovative ideas and top-class thinkers.
“Brimbank is also working collaboratively on research with RMIT postgraduate students, the spokeswoman said. “This includes a stormwater modelling project, which won the 2014 Stormwater Victoria award for excellence in research and innovation.”
