Greater Shepparton City Council Director Infrastructure Steve Bowmaker said when staff went to unlock the barrier gate at 5.30am it had been deliberately damaged to allow vehicles to enter the bridge.
“The danger to the public is that water was still over the road this morning but was safe enough to drive through slowly. Last night it would have been impossible for drivers to know how deep the flood waters were which is putting the public at risk,” said Mr Bowmaker.
“Everyone knows not to drive through flood waters, it is a message constantly communicated by our emergency services every time there is a flood and for someone to carelessly put other’s lives at risk is very irresponsible.”
“We try to make our roads as safe as possible in these situations for the public. Council staff have worked very hard over the last week or so ensuring flood warning signage is current. Changes were happening hourly and they were adding and removing signage as quickly as possible,” he said. “Someone’s impatience and disregard for the safety of the community is inexcusable.”
“This vandalism means we also have to spend money unnecessarily to repair the bridge barrier bars and to make them stronger.”
Anyone with information about the deliberate damage is asked to contact the Shepparton Police.
