Eve Lamb
A small bright red footbridge installed over a public drain by a local couple has created more interest than they’d bargained for.
Barker Street couple Mike and Adrienne Thorbecke say they installed the little structure a couple of months ago for a couple of reasons.
Ms Thorbecke has some mobility and health issues and these, along with a desire to create something aesthetically enriching for the community, prompted the couple to install the little structure, they say.
They were also encouraged to install the bright red bridge after receiving positive feedback in response to a wall mural and a small diorama they had earlier installed in their own front yard where it could be seen by everyone passing by on the Barker Street footpath alongside.
However, making such alterations or additions on public land requires official permit approval.
And the Thorbecke’s bridge has now run into a spot of trouble with Mount Alexander Shire Council brought into the picture after receiving a complaint about the colourful addition to the local landscape.
Local laws officer Dave Bothe has been in communication with the Thorbeckes.
He has advised them that “there is a fee for placing an obstruction or object on council land, the fee is a daily fee and there is no yearly fee for this type of application”.
“I will leave it up to you as to whether you still apply,” Mr Bothe told them.
“As there has been negative comments received by council it is unlikely that you would be issued a permit,” he also advised.
The Thorbeckes say that unless they can comply with the requirements – a potentially costly process – they have been informed they will have to remove the structure.
“They’ve told us we have to get rid of it in a month,” Ms Thorbecke said.
“I’m very sad about that because we’ve had so much positive feedback.
“But we’re not going to incur thousands of dollars worth of costs.”
Mr Thorbecke said he had designed the small red bridge “to fit over the existing concrete bridge that presently spans the bluestone spoon drain”.
“We are most surprised there has been a complaint to the council about our little bridge, as we have had overwhelming, unsolicited support from neighbours and especially passers by,” he said.
“We placed the bridge over the existing concrete overpass that spans the bluestone spoon drain.
“Adrienne had a fall from this spot last year and hence we decided to improve the access to our home.
“The new structure ably supports her disability giving her a firm hand rail on both the left and right and a side support to prevent overbalancing and falling into the drain.
“Adrienne is not able to drive and this is the most convenient and shortest distance for her and her friends and family to pick her up.
“This right to accessibility, we would have thought, would be accepted by the wider community and fit with council policy of reducing disadvantage and exclusion for people with disabilities.”
At this point, Ms Thorbecke thinks it’s looking likely the decorative little structure may end up adorning their own garden instead.
