Footpath movement slows

Initial council investigations confirmed that movement of the footpath was exceeding expectation, given they were only installed in 2019.

Movement was observed through cracking in the footpath, as well as swelling in some areas.

At the request of Councillor Leanne Mulham, council recently advised that monitoring has given it confidence that emergency works would no longer be required to address the movement.

“Based on the outcomes of the initial visual inspection of the footpath, council staff organised for survey and Ground Penetration Radar (GPR) of the area,” a report to council said.

“From the GPR results, there were several anomalies found in the footpath sub-grade mid-block near the pedestrian crossing and near the intersection of Napier and Cressy Sts, lining up with where movement has been found in the footpath surface and kerb and gutter.

“Since March 2025, council staff have been monitoring the area for further movement of the footpath and kerb and gutter.

“This has included visual investigations as well as surveying of points in the area on a monthly basis.

“The survey results have shown a maximum movement of 5mm over the past months, at the kerbline near the pedestrian crossing, with movement of 1mm to 2mm being recorded at the other locations.

“This indicates that the area has settled down and is no longer a situation requiring emergency works to rectify issues.”

Based on the GPR, survey results and visual inspections, council staff have recommended that current investigation works continue, including monthly surveys, to the end of 2025.

This will determine when remediation work may be required.

Unless there is a demonstrated need to address the gaps beforehand, repairs will take place as part of the 2026/27 Footpath Renewal Program.

It is anticipated that about 200m² would be replaced, at an estimated cost of $90,000.

“Council has a duty of care to the public regarding assets, including that footpaths are free of trips and hazards.

“Further deterioration of the footpath along Napier St may lead to trips and hazards, impacting the public use of the footpath.

“This would require immediate repair and replacement of the impacted areas as emergency works, and council will be notified should this be required.”

While surveys to date show the problem areas, they have not been able to drill down on the exact cause of the faults.

“It is thought that these anomalies may be from cellars attached to adjoining buildings, or tunnels between the cellars.

“There may also be voids in and around stormwater drainage.

“It was recommended to council that an additional GPR survey be undertaken, using more powerful equipment that can measure to a depth of 10m.

“The purpose of this additional investigation would be to try and determine whether there are cellars, tunnels or other large voids that may be impacting the footpath.”

With additional GPR estimated at $30,000, council has decided not to proceed with further investigations at this stage.