Council hopefuls kick up dirt over Sutherland path

Council candidate Gloria Jacob has slammed the Town’s approach to the Sutherland Street coastal footpath development saying more research should have been done to mediate the impact of coastal erosion. Earthworks on the project started last month following a series of consultation delays after it was approved by council in June last year. Last week, the mayoral hopeful walked the development site with council candidates on her election ticket. Ms Jacob said in a Facebook post she was shocked by the erosion across the coastline and council should have consulted more thoroughly with home owners and occupants. “The residents were not opposed to the path, they were legitimately concerned at the hurried passage of the project, it’s seeming lack of appropriate planning and environmental assessment and suitable consultation with the owners and occupants,” she said. “Add to this the gross proximity of the pathway to home boundaries and you have a major reason as a council not to rush the resolution (for) the sake of a win. “Planning may take a little more time and cost may become a very real factor...however informed decision making will deliver projects on time, on budget for the benefit of the community.” Incumbent Mayor Peter Carter said the development was moving full steam ahead with the required research and consultation with concrete expected to be laid on Friday. “It’s an exciting project and I can’t wait to see people walking along or going for their morning jogs - the scenery for them will just be perfect,” he said. Mr Carter said despite rumours the project would face delays on social media the project would be completed by October. In June a survey of local residents found 83 per cent of ratepayers wanted better connectivity between the West End and the Spoilbank Marina where the path is being developed.