Port path charge pain

KIM WATERS
A USER-pays scheme for footpaths will force penniless Portarlington residents out of their homes, an objector has warned.
Doris Bonello said the council project to construct footpaths in Fisher Street would cost her and other home owners from $1600 to $4419 each.
Mrs Bonello, a widowed pensioner, said City of Greater Geelong notified residents this month of council’s decision to declare the special charge.
“I haven’t got that kind of money, none of us have,” Mrs Bonello said.
“I’m a widow and a pensioner. I’ve just had two back operations and I’m not well.
“I can’t afford to pay $2000 – where would I even find it?”
“I’m struggling and living in the dark because electricity bills are so high and they never stop coming – I can’t pay another $2000 to council as well.”
Mrs Bonello said the street’s residents were unanimously against the plan.
“We’re happy with the street as it is. There are footpaths on the other side of the road and that’s enough for us.
Ms Bonello said many of her neighbours lived elsewhere and rented out their properties as holiday accommodation.
“These people don’t want footpaths. They only come down here once a year, so they couldn’t care less.
“The school kids use the footpath on the other side of the road and constantly throw rocks at our houses, so putting footpaths on our side would only make that problem worse.”
Ms Bonello believed special charge schemes were “getting out of hand” after council hit Drysdale and Ocean Grove residents with footpath, kerb and drain levies last year.
A council document said the City had “recently been examining” opportunities to upgrade road, drainage and footpath infrastructure at Portarlington.
Council would pay $51,147, or half the estimated cost, of the Fisher Street footpath, the document said.
Residents would contribute the remaining $51,147 between 20 properties.
“Owners will have an opportunity through the submissions process to have input to the scheme and address the panel, if required,” the document said.
“The property owner receives benefits…by way of improved pedestrian access, enhancement of the nature strip area and improved general amenity.”