Fear that new path could lead to drownings

Susan Mills has experienced the tragedy of a drowning in her life when her younger brother, 2, climbed over a pool fence.

Consequently, Ms Mills is terrified that Shellharbour City Council’s plan to put a pathway near the reserve pond that backs onto Fleet Crescent, Albion Park, will lead to drownings.

“Currently, people stay away from the pond because the ground around the pond is quite marsh-like, it’s on a slope and there are trees around it. There’s no reason to go near it,” Ms Mills said.

“But if the council puts in the shared pathway for Gray Street up to Fleet Crescent so that people can walk from the playing fields, around the pond, then around Fleet Crescent, drownings will happen.

“I have written letters to council saying we have not been consulted and I received a letter saying we had been consulted,” she said.

“The council said they are looking at putting a safety fence up but this won’t work. I know first hand that children can climb fences.

“It is absolutely irresponsible to put the pathway near the pond.”

Ms Mills said that both she and the neighbours would also have to pay for the part of the path fronting their houses.

“We’re paying for something we don’t want,” she said.

A Shellharbour City Council spokesperson said the funding for this project was in the budget so it was very likely to proceed.

“The council always considered the risk in all their designs and infrastructure,” the spokesperson said.

In regard to Ms Mills having to pay for part of the path, the council spokesperson said this was standard with all councils with “all new infrastructure that crosses a member of the public’s property.”

“The council provides infrastructure for all residents and this infrastructure is part of a far larger pathway network.”