Advocacy - Getting trails and paths fixed, who to to contact.

Welcome to the VicHPV community advocacy page. If you have had problems with access on a bike path or trail, or want to report damage to a trail this is the page for you. Similarly, if you have difficulty with on road bike lanes or roads in general, this is also the page for you.

In this information technology age if you have a problem and want it attended to then an e-mail is as good as a letter, and both are more effective than a phone call. It is often a good idea to take a photo of the problem area and attach that to the e-mail. In addition, providing as much information about the location, such as Melway or other map references will assist you in getting something attended to.

Common sense suggests you write in a tone that is polite, clear and firm. Additionally, you should send follow up e-mails if you don't get a reply.

There can be a range of different governing bodies that are responsible for the paths and roads. It is generally a matter of contacting the governing body or bodies and informing them of the problem(s). Your local council is usually a good starting point and you can ask them to direct you towards other bodies if they are not responsible. Generally local councils are responsible for local roads and paths.

Other organizations that are responsible for paths and road include the following.

Parks Victoria for trails in National Parks and along major waterways such as the Yarra River. Click this link to e-mail.

Rail trails are covered by The Department of Sustainability and Environment and volunteer committees of management. You can e-mail Rail Trails Australia for the local committee e-mail address or you can try this link to Bicycle Victoria for a list of individual sites for most rail trails. You can click on this link to e-mail The Department of Sustainability and Environment.

Below you will find links to the e-mail addresses for all local councils in Victoria.

All you have to do to use this page is find the council you want to contact. Alternatively you can use the maps on this link and click on the name or number. Once you have clicked on either the map or council name in the list an e-mail will be opened with the address in it ready for you to type. Attention your email to the Chief Executive Officer of the council.

For problems on roads as well as your local council assitance may be sought through Vic Roads. Their customer service centers telephone number is 13 11 71. You can report unsafe road conditions (eg. broke glass), traffic hazards, traffic signal faults, freeway help phone faults, traffic accidents and delays to them on 13 11 70 (24 hours). Ideally hazardous or dangerous road conditions should also be reported to the relevant local council. If you have problems with manhole or water main covers on roads then you should also e-mail Melbourne Water. They can be called on Ph: 131 722, their website to contact them is here.

Contacting your local member of parliament may be another option also. Here is a link to the Australian electoral commision search site for your federal member of parliament, and here is a link to the state member of parliament search site.