Johanna Weaver, Congo Community Association - 8 July 2025
Johanna Weaver, Congo Community Association, presented to Council at the Public Access Session on 8 July 2025.
Council's reply
Thank you for presenting on behalf of Congo Community Association at last week's Public Access session.
I am grateful for the time and effort spent to present your views and questions to Council. Please find responses to the CCA's questions below:
Ql. What is the process to apply to Council for public access to the 'paper road'?
No process currently exists for members of the public to access the land depicted on the map as road. A detailed land-based survey has not been undertaken however it is evident that parts of the road may represent a significant risk to users. Therefore, council will not advocate the use of the paper road nor create a process with those risks evident.
Q2. Has compulsory acquisition commenced, and if not, why not?
Council has not commenced the formal process for compulsory acquisition with the landowner. A specific direction through a resolution of Council would be required to start the formal process.
Q3. Can the road be reopened if Council bears responsibility for insuring the road?
Access to the track in use, located on private property, was withdrawn by the property owner in November 2021. The road can only be opened if the owner wishes it to be open.
Council continues to actively consider its options since the Supreme Court judgement. I anticipate these options will be reported to Council in the coming months. The CCA and the broader Congo community will be given prior notice of this meeting.