Petition to Surf Coast Shire Council: Safe and Accessible Upkeep of the School Bushland Reserve Pathway

To: Surf Coast Shire Council, 1 Merrijig Drive, Torquay VIC 3228; Phone: (03) 5261 0600; Email: info@surfcoast.vic.gov.au 

SCHOOL PROJECT. NOT TO BE CONSIDERED AS A REAL PETITION.

'This petition is part of a Year 5/6 Civics and Citizenship unit at Aireys Inlet Primary School. Students have come up with a local example to explore how citizens can raise ideas, advocate respectfully and engage with local government. The purpose of this petition is educational. It has been created to provide an authentic learning experience and is not intended to suggest there is any safety concern or an official campaign being led by the school.'

We, the undersigned, petition Surf Coast Shire Council to work with the school community to support the ongoing maintenance, repair and improvement of the pathway that runs through the bushland reserve on school grounds.

This pathway is located on school land, but it is used regularly not only by students and families, but also by many local residents and visitors to the area. Because the school is situated in a busy Great Ocean Road tourist area, the pathway functions as a well-used community access route as well as part of the school environment.

The current level of public use means that the pathway is serving a broader community purpose. For that reason, the responsibility for keeping it safe, usable and accessible should not rest solely with the school.

We ask Surf Coast Shire Council to:

·       inspect the pathway and assess current safety, drainage, surface and accessibility issues;

·       meet with school representatives to determine a fair shared approach to maintenance;

·       provide practical support, funding, works, or in-kind assistance to improve the pathway; and

·       recognise the pathway as an important community-used link that should be kept safe and accessible for          all users.