The next step after rain damage

By Lachlan Ellis

Many tracks and trails, including the 1000+ Steps at Bald Hill, have been hit hard by recent rains – but plans are already underway to repair the damage.

Part of the 1000+ Steps walk – around 140 steps from Ramsay Crescent uphill – has been closed to the public, due to loss of gravel and mulch and mud debris across the steps.

However, the remainder of the steps are open and safe to use, and the closed section can be detoured by using the northern open space section.

And thankfully, the ratepayer won’t be paying the bill to fix the damage, according to Council’s General Manager of Community Assets and Infrastructure, Phil Jeffrey.

“Most damage was a result of inadequate drainage from an adjacent subdivision that is under construction. We are working with the developer to have the steps rectified at its cost,” he told the Moorabool News.

“We are working with the adjacent estate to improve its site stormwater in the interim. When it’s fully developed, an underground stormwater system will be in place. We are working to have the steps open as soon as possible. Repeat rain events are hindering efforts but [the 1000+ Steps] will likely open by December.”