I ask the City of Kingston council to follow through on their commitment to replace the Epsom Wetland boardwalks as promised.

The two boardwalks were a highly used part of the community footpath network and local residents have been waiting 2 years for the boardwalks to be replaced.  The recent decision not to replace them comes as a shock and is contrary to Council's existing commitments.  Since 2023, Council has made the following commitments to replacing the boardwalks;

The Feb 2023 "Letter to Residents" = Council committed that it was "Exploring opportunities to replace the boardwalks".

16 Feb 2023, Brad Lewis (Team Leader - Bushland & Foreshore) = "Council has commenced planning for a replacement boardwalk with a view to applying for funds to deliver this is the 24/25 financial year, subject to the necessary approvals.  Once an initial concept has been developed it will be available for the community to provide input into the final design, with communication sent out via to the estate residents to advise once we’re at this stage."

11 July 2023, Brad Lewis = "Council has allocated $500,000 in the 23/24 financial year budget to construct a boardwalk through the grasslands. Planning has commenced and an initial concept will be communicated to the residents and community, along with anticipated project timelines, for consultation prior to progressing to the construction phase."

4 Sept 2023, Luke Armstrong (Acting Team Leader - Public Spaces) = "Replacement and funding of the Epsom Grasslands Boardwalk was recently supported in Council’s endorsed capital program, with design, documentation, consultation and tender process scheduled throughout the 23/24 financial year. Our aim is to have the project ‘shovel ready’ by the end of current financial year.  Project delivery is scheduled next financial year.  I encourage you to provide feedback and input into the design during the upcoming community consultation period, which is earmarked for November this year."

4 Sept 2023, Cr  Tim Cochrane (Melaleuca Ward) = "I am satisfied with the timelines provided from our officers, given the requirement for community consultation, tendering & managing our extensive capital works program."

15 Sept 2023, Emily Boucher (Manager - Open Spaces) = "There have been a number of unexpected projects come up this year, coupled with staff absences, which have resulted in delays to the required planning.  Site investigations have been progressing well and we’re confident plans will be available for community consultation later this year."

Clearly, although slow, Kingston Council had commenced planning and committed funding to have the boardwalks replaced this year.

I ask that the Council reconsider this recent decision and move to recommence works to replace the Epsom Wetland boardwalks.