DONOVANS resident Peter Buttle has lashed out over the state of a walkway along the Glenelg River after falling and getting stuck in the embankment.
The issue has re-ignited anger over the “shocking” condition of the pathway, which is a busy thoroughfare for shack owners, tourists and anglers who venture down to the riverside community.
Shack owners and community leaders called for urgent repairs in April given it was breaking away due to erosion and neglect.
Despite the environment department foreshadowing some works would begin, there has been no progress at the site.
Mr Buttle – who has had to wear a foot brace after the incident and is facing possible surgery – called for immediate action from the department given the terrible condition of the infrastructure.
“I had X-rays and an ultrasound done and I have completely torn one ligament and partially tore the other one – there is also impact damage on the inside of my ankle as well,” he said.
He said the walkway had fallen into disrepair in sections where shacks had been removed by the department.
“I went down to have a fish at night and when I was casting in between the shacks, I took a step and the next thing I knew I was hanging over the water after getting stuck in a hole,” Mr Buttle said.
“Given I have a bad back, there was nothing to hold onto to push myself back up – so I was stuck.”
Given his tricky predicament, Mr Buttle said he called out to one of the nearby shack owners for help.
“A fellow came out and pulled me out – I was in severe pain and struggled to walk home,” the keen fisher said.
“I fell down to my knee, my other leg was folded up and I was hanging over the water area.”
Mr Buttle warned of potential other accidents given it was a popular walkway for locals and visitors.
“If the landing is full, visitors will go along the walkway to fish. You can see large sections of the walkway that have washed away,” he said.
“The walkway has deteriorated from where the shacks have been taken down – they have not been reinforced.”
In particular, he raised concerns over the potential hazard for children.
“I rang Grant District Council to let them know what has happened and staff said they would contact the department,” Mr Buttle said.
Parts of the walkway are now littered with rock, uneven ground, broken timber and significant erosion.
A department spokesperson said yesterday they were aware of the condition of a section of the Glenelg River pathway.
“To ensure public safety the department restricted access to the affected area in March 2019,” the spokesperson said.
“Affected shack lessees are aware of the closure. Shack lessees and members of the public are advised not to risk their personal safety by entering the restricted area.”
The procurement process for repair works has now been finalised.
“The department is currently working through the cultural heritage implications behind the proposed works, which is part of the process when managing these types of works on Crown land.”
