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Marion reduces footpath danger

The City of Marion’s Geographic Information System (GIS) Footpath Audit System was designed to identify, classify, repair and record the history of footpath faults. The system took out the Metropolitan Risk Management Award for Sustainable Infrastructure Management organised by the South Australian Local Government Association Mutual Liability Scheme.

The Footpath Audit System uses a motorised scooter and GPS data collection devise to gather and record defects and risks.

“Risks are then rated from level one to five,” said Risk Management Officer, Amanda Culpin. “A level one risk may be a small crack that will be checked again 12 moths later. A level five risk is a serious danger that will be addressed immediately.”

The benefits of the system are broad including a reduced public risk of tripping, to save potential costs through timely maintenance.

“The system helps avoid injuries occurring on footpaths as it maps out every defect onto a GIS,” Amanda Culpin said. “Marion has 840km of footpath which is all on the GIS system. If a builder was to rip up a slab of concrete it would be noted on the GIS and they would have to pay for the cost of repairs, not the Council. Therefore ratepayers save money.”

The risk management award came with a framed certificate, a crystal vase trophy and a $10,000 cheque. For further information contact Amanda Culpin, Risk Management Officer, on (08) 8375 6600.

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