The dodgy patch-up work left by telecommunications contractors on the CBD pavements is nothing more than “legalised vandalism of public property”, according to Cr Greg Watson.
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Cr Watson said there were numerous instances around Nowra and other areas where footpaths and roads have been dug up for new cables and pipes, and then never properly repaired.
Some areas look like a patchwork quilt of concrete, paving and hotmix. Other areas, where paving has been removed and then replaced, are so uneven council workers have had to grind corners down to make the surface safe for pedestrians.
“Some service companies are using federal laws to avoid having to carry out proper restoration,” Cr Watson said.
“We need new legislation to fix the loopholes so these contractors are held responsible.”
At the most recent council meeting, councillors voted unanimously to take action on the matter.
“We will examine whether we can use the Roads Act to make them fix the damage but if Commonwealth legislation overrides that, we will have to seek an amendment to see that any damage is properly restored,” Cr Watson said.
In 1999 council spent over $7 million on the Junction Street improvements and each year would spend hundreds of thousands on the upkeep and maintenance of pavements.
“The good work that council has done is being destroyed by this kind of activity,” Cr Watson said.