An irate Kennington resident says council has flushed ratepayer money down the drain on a new footpath beside a creek which was flooded within days of being built. 

But cyclists say the shared bike and pedestrian path on Back Creek will help riders get to schools, workplaces, the university and hospital without having to take on busy roads. 

Self-funded retiree Richard Tresize said he was outraged that ratepayers’ money was spent on the new creek-side path along Havlin Street West between Mundy Street and McIvor Road.

And within 24-hours of it being complete, he claimed to have been proven correct when the new path was flooded and freshly laid top soil washed away.  

“Why build a footpath along a flood prone creek when there is already one on the street?,” Mr Tresize said.

“It’s a disgrace.” 

City of Greater Bendigo engineering and public space manager Brett Martini confirmed the newly constructed section between Mundy Street and Baxter Street had suffered some scouring of the topsoil backfill adjoining the path due to heavy stormwater flows during recent rain.

“While there has been no damage to the path itself, until such time as the backfill is replaced, this section of the path will remain closed,” Mr Martini said. 

Mr Martini said the city was investigating the extent of repair works required – overall, he said, the section of off-road shared path between Mundy and Baxter streets cost $210,000 to construct. 

But the engineering and public space manager said restoring the path was a priority for the city as it provided “a key off-road link to adjacent communities”.

“The creek corridors in Bendigo are important public space links,” Mr Martini said.

“Through the construction of shared walking and cycling paths pedestrians and cyclists can not only enjoy the open space and environment but also utilise these paths to access the many sporting and recreation facilities that are along them.

“These key paths also form much of the off road path network for people wishing to commute to and between key areas such as the CBD, hospital and La Trobe University.

“Corridors such as Back Creek encourage and enable people to gain exercise in an informal setting and many people walk and cycle along different parts of the path network.

“In particular, cycling along these creek corridors is a great way for children and adults to gain confidence in their cycling away from traffic.

“The City of Greater Bendigo has, over a number of years, gradually extended this path to facilitate a key off-road link for communities to the south and south east of the CBD.”

Bike Bendigo president Geoff O'Sullivan backed the city’s claims, describing the new path as a “fantastic initiative”.

“It’ll keep people off the roads and give them a place ride in safety,” Mr O'Sullivan said.

“It goes from Spring Gully all the way to the McIvor bridge and I know they’re planning to get the path all the way to Lake Weerona, which will be a great way for people to get around the city without having to ride on major roads.

“It’s a great path, go grab a bike and give it a go.”