Jubilee Park bridge removal decision questioned

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 617, 19 December 1995, Page 8

Jubilee Park bridge removal decision questioned

Reasons why the Jubilee Park foot bridge was removed were called for by Waimarino Community Board member Robert Horne at their last meeting. 'Tm at a loss as to why the Jubilee Park walk bridge was removed when all it needed was new decking," he said. Board chairman Colin Webb said the main cables and handrail hangers were rusting. "Following the Cave Creek disaster, Don Sattler asked me what we should do with it and we decided to pull it down," he said. "If 1 5-20 people wandering home from the pub had got on it and started jumping around it would not have held up."

He said it would have been safe if they could be sure that only 2-3 people walked over the bridge at any one time. Mr Horne continued his concerns on the matter, querying the high cost of a replacement — $27,000. "It seems a hang of a price for a foot bridge," said Mr Horne, a builder. Mr Horne said as there was a Mainstreet project underway to upgrade the park, it was vital that it be replaced. "The whole project will fall over without a bridge." Property officer Alan Low said the council and the board needed to be "fully aware" that they have to meet the Occupational Safety and Health Act requirements as well as resource and building consents with such facilities.